Federer set to face 772nd-ranked qualifier on Centre Court

The second set was a touch less one-sided with Willis taking three games, but, again, Federer’s superior class was the difference with the Swiss securing decisive break in sixth game of the second stanza.

He just had returned from a third-level event in Hammamet in Tunisia where his prize money was paltry $65. His form was worsening and there were talks of a coaching job in the US. I’ll go and sort it out after this. “Do what I’m told”. Willis won three matches there, then another three in qualifying to get into the main draw.

Willis, the world number 772 who came through six rounds of qualifying and the first-round proper, was beaten 6-0 6-3 6-4 in round two. Nicknamed the “Cartman” – a moniker positively reclaimed after Willis was scathingly likened to chunky South Park character Eric Cartman in reference to his weight – the Englishman isn’t simply a standard lower player completing at the peak of his powers; his talents and his style of play are very original.

Such is the fickle nature of his income that the 25-year-old still lives with his parents although a guaranteed £50,000 ($66,000) for his run at Wimbledon will help him onto a steadier financial footing.

Not bad for a man who had never played a match on the full tour before Monday. I called my boss to ask what to do and he said we would have to get the engineer in.

“I was overweight. I was just a loser”. “I always knew it was going to be a completely different match than everything that I’ve played before here at Wimbledon”.

Actually, as a junior, Willis did have the reputation of McKinlay’s description of him as “such a talented boy”. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.

“It feels real. I’m getting used to it”.

“Not much going on in my head right now”. Lifestyle wasn’t good. Yeah, didn’t have the drive …

Sure. But given all that’s gone on for Willis lately, who’s to say?

“I said please don’t go to America”. But, yeah, I met the girl.

Two Brits head out into battle in the form of Willis and Dan Evans.

“I’ve been staying in the same hotel and eating the same meal every night”.

“I had tomato, pepper pasta with added chicken on”.

Cox believes Willis can cause Federer a few problems but was not prepared to give away any secrets.

But what about tackling the legendary Swiss star on Wednesday?

“I can’t explain that to you. But personally, I think it will be a really interesting match-up”.

Until Monday, his career earnings stood at $95,129 and his 2016 earnings were just $356 (£270 and falling quickly). Plus he is serve and volleying, which I love to see. I’m not a massive film watcher.

“He’s playing well but I’m back as well”. Now he gets to face Federer – most likely on Centre Court. “It’s one of the best stories in a long time in our sport”, Federer said. “I’m excited to play him too”.

So he told of waking at unkind hours and working “very, very, very hard” with his coach, Matt Smith.