That Time I Lobbed Federer and Somehow Made It Back to the Big Stage

By Lewis Barnett 2 September, 2025 6 mins read 188 Views

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Nine Years Later and People Still Remember

God, has it really been nine years?

I'm sitting here in New York thinking about how absolutely mental this whole thing is. Marcus Willis - yeah, that's me, the guy they called "Tubster" back when I was ranked 775th in the world and coaching at a boat club to pay rent. The same bloke who somehow made it through pre-qualifying (because some poor sod got stuck in Turkey with flight delays), then actual qualifying, then beat a Lithuanian I'd never heard of, and ended up on Centre Court getting absolutely schooled by Roger Federer.

Except for that one moment. You know the one.

That lob. Sweet Jesus, that lob over the greatest grass-court player who ever lived. My kids - all four of them, ages 6 to 13 - think I'm making it up when I tell them daddy once made Federer look silly for about three seconds.

From Bricklaying to Broadway (Well, Flushing Meadows)

Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster since then, to put it mildly. Got married to an incredibly supportive woman who somehow puts up with my tennis obsession. Had kids. Did actual bricklaying during lockdown because, you know, bills don't pay themselves. Retired from tennis. Then un-retired because apparently I'm a glutton for punishment.

And now? I'm back at a Grand Slam for the first time since that Wimbledon fairy tale, playing doubles at the US Open with this Polish guy Karol Drzewiecki. We got in as alternates - literally found out Thursday night with 15 minutes to spare before the draw. Had my flight home booked for Sunday and everything.

"Worst case," I told myself, "I'd have trained here for a week." Famous last words.

The Weight of Expectations (Literally)

Let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the elephant that used to be in the room. Back in 2014, some genius filmed me drinking Coke and eating a Snickers during a changeover in Knoxville. Colleagues started calling me Cartman. Social media had a field day with "Tubster."

At my heaviest, I was 116kg. That's... well, that's not tennis player weight, is it?

These days I'm down to 93-94kg, though I'll be honest - I've still got a few more to lose. Food around the house? I'm absolutely horrendous with it. Always have been. My wife's probably reading this thinking, "A few more? Try ten, Marcus."

Missing Buses and Leaving Racquets Behind

Want to know something embarrassing? The LTA sent me home from the 2008 Australian Open as a junior for disciplinary reasons. The final straw was missing the team bus to practice, then showing up without my racquets because I'd left them at teh hotel like an absolute muppet.

Eighteen years later, I'm desperate to make it to the 2026 Australian Open. Cameron Norrie was supposed to play doubles with me last January but pulled out at short notice. Poor timing, that.

But this week in New York... this is evidence I should stick at it, right? Even at 34, even with four kids at home, even with people still recognizing me as "that guy who lobbed Federer."

What Happens Next?

Tennis fans are mad, aren't they? Nine years on and they still come up to me saying, "I was there at Wimbledon!" Like it was yesterday instead of nearly a decade ago.

My incredibly supportive wife flew out here but had to head back for work. The kids are probably wondering why daddy's on TV again, playing this weird sport where you hit a fuzzy ball over a net.

I remember that Wimbledon feeling like it was yesterday, and it really wasn't. I hadn't even hit a ball on grass before pre-qualifying because it had been raining. Was planning to venture to the States afterward, get a proper job, but I'm glad I didn't.

Because sometimes, just sometimes, the universe gives you another shot at the big stage. Even if you're a 34-year-old former bricklayer who once ate chocolate bars during tennis matches.

Not bad for a tubster from Slough, eh?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it important to compete in junior events for a tennis career?

The junior tennis tournament is an important step towards a professional career in tennis. These tournaments are a great way for young athletes to gain experience playing against others, test their skills, and develop the necessary mental strength to play competitively. Junior tournaments also serve as a stepping stone to higher-level competitions and can significantly impact a player's ranking, visibility to coaches and sponsors, and their overall development as a player.

What role does videoanalysis play in the training of top tennis players

Video analysis has become a vital tool for developing and training top tennis athletes. It allows for detailed review of technique, tactics, opponent patterns, and match play. Coaches and athletes use video analysis to break down strokes, pinpoint improvement areas, and strategize with future opponents. It can also help to recognize habits and patterns that are often overlooked in the heat of competition. This allows for more effective and focused practice sessions.

What type of fitness training is important for tennis players?

Tennis is an intense sport that demands a combination aerobic endurance, anaerobic strength and power, as well as speed. Tennis players are often required to do cardiovascular exercises in order to improve their endurance. They also need to perform plyometrics, explosive exercises, and weight training exercises in order to gain strength. Exercises that improve core stability and balance are essential to building the endurance and coordination needed for tennis.

Can someone begin playing tennis late, and still be a professional?

Even though it can be more difficult, someone who starts playing tennis later on in life is still able to reach professional status. Success will depend on athletic ability and dedication as well as access to good coaching and competition. Late starters may need to undergo intensive, focused training. Although the road is more difficult, with talent and persistence, it's possible to reach a professional level.

How can a player of tennis balance training and school requirements?

Balance between academic obligations and intensive training schedules can be difficult for aspiring players. Time management, prioritization skills and sometimes creative scheduling are required. Online education and flexible academic programs are a great way to accommodate the hectic training and travel schedules that young athletes have. Families, coaches and educational institutions can also play a vital role in helping athletes achieve their athletic goals without compromising their studies.

Statistics

Statistical trends indicate that top tennis players usually have at least 5 people in their support team, including coaches, fitness trainers, and physiotherapists.
On average, it's estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.
Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Persistent mental training and sports psychology can help reduce performance anxiety by up to 60%, according to sports psychologists working with elite athletes.
Studies show that superior agility and speed among tennis players can reduce their reaction time by up to 30%, which is crucial during high-level matches.

External Links

How To

Tennis Footwork & Court Movement: Master the Art!

Conditioning is key to achieving mastery of your tennis footwork. Use agility drills like cone drills and ladder drills to improve your lateral movements and linear movement. Split-stepping is a technique that involves hopping quickly as your opponent strikes the ball. It will help you move on to your next step more quickly. Improve your ability of recovering quickly from every shot with dynamic drills. Develop a focus on balance and coordination exercises. Finally, in match play be aware of the way you move, and give yourself plenty of time to strike each ball comfortably.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/tennis/when-your-ex-shows-up-courtside-the-karolina-muchova-nightmare-nobody-talks-about