Huddersfield coach Matt Smith says he is immensely proud of what Marcus Willis has achieved at Wimbledon.
The 31-year-old head man at Huddersfield Lawn Tennis & Squash Club was behind the fairytale rise of Willis from kids coach to facing Roger Federer on Centre Court.
It was a story which captured the imagination of the country – not just the tennis public – and despite his 6-0 6-3 6-4 exit to the 17-times Grand Slam champion, Smith says Willis should hold his head high.
“I’m really proud of what he’s achieved, but when you work with him it’s not really surprising that this has happened,” said Smith.
“I have always expected him to do well and the only surprise to me is that this didn’t happen 18 months ago – it’s two years too late in reality.
“If he hadn’t been playing Roger Federer in the second round and it had been someone more ‘normal’ then I don’t think there would have been all the hysteria.
“But I am very proud of him and the way he has handled all the work.”
Smith believes his man should go back on the tournament circuit, but admits Willis is torn between that and staying as a coach.
“Part of him feels like he is enjoying life away from it (tournament play) and doing his coaching, even though it’s been only for a few months,” explained Smith.
“I think he is a little bit torn, but I think he should get into the next tournament – in Newport I think – get out and play and keep the ball rolling while he’s got some money in the bank.
“We could do a training block around Christmas and then go again in January, but obviously I will support him whatever decision he makes.
“He will go on from this strongly, I believe, and he knows where I am, what I can offer and the fact that we have been successful.”
After getting a rousing reception from the Centre Court crowd, Willis said of playing the Swiss great: “It is daunting.
“I was enjoying it out there. If I was playing well and competing with Roger for a couple of sets, I was doing well.
“I am disappointed to lose. I didn’t play as well as I could but I can hold my head high. I have had a fantastic couple of weeks. I will keep going and do what I have been doing.
“There is life after Wimbledon and I want more experiences like this. I have earned myself a beer now.”
