"I'll take it a match at a time and try and qualify again"
Thursday 22 June 2017 12:48, UK
Last year's Wimbledon hero Marcus Willis is ready to rise to the challenge of battling through qualifying again after missing out on a main-draw wild card.
The All England Club announced the first batch of wildcards on Wednesday but there was no room for Willis.
The 26-year-old caused a sensation with his run through pre-qualifying and qualifying before going out in the second round against Roger Federer on Centre Court.
But Willis, ranked 387, has made limited progress since and was only awarded a free pass into qualifying.
He will, though, definitely be at Wimbledon in the doubles after he and British teenager Jay Clarke were given a wildcard.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge again. It's three less matches than last year," Willis said of his singles prospects.
"And it's great to be in the doubles with Jay as well."
Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Willis added: "I'll take it a match at a time and try and qualify again."
For those on the move, we will have Eastbourne and Wimbledon covered via our website skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Can Marcus Willis qualify for Wimbledon? Have your say...
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports for an unmissable summer of sport. Upgrade now!
