Marcus Willis won his first pro singles title of 2014, after beating Sam Barry in an enthralling men’s singles final at the Aegon GB Pro-Series Tipton.
A crowd of over 100, including the Lord Mayor of Tipton, were treated to an on court exhibition of Mini Tennis by youngsters from the Academy tennis programme, ahead of the final, and were then treated to a feast of top quality tennis in the final itself.
23 year old Willis, No.2 seed at Tipton, opened the match with a blistering ace, but then found himself facing two break points at 15-40. He cleverly saved break points with some great net play, and after holding serve raced to an early 4-1 lead. However, Barry who spent the early part of 2014 injured, is not only strong and powerful, but also very resolute, and broke back when Willis was serving for the first set.
With the crowd being treated to some great shot making there was nothing to separate the two players, and after an hours play the final entered a tie break. With Willis securing an early mini break, the No.2 seed sealed the first set with a sublime half volley cross court winner, which his opponent could only applaud.
It was Barry who got off to the better start in the second securing an early break to lead 3-0, but Willis then reeled off 6 of the next 7 games to capture his first singles title of 2014 7-6(4), 6-4. This rounded off a great week at Tipton, having won the doubles title [with Lewis Burton] the previous day.
Speaking to the crowd after the match the British number 10 said ‘It’s been great playing in front of such a good and appreciative crowd – thank you.’ He went on to add ‘I’ve had a great start to the year winning doubles titles in Israel and Thailand, but after finishing runner-up in Thailand two weeks ago, and now winning the title here, my singles game is definitely coming together too.’
Tournament Director, Richard Joyner added ‘Everyone here at Tipton Sports Academy and Sandwell Leisure Trust, have been so friendly, and helpful, which together with the excellent turn out for today’s final has led to a really good week here in the West Midlands.
Watch Marcus post match interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeiYzDJJLao#t=15
Willis with the winners trophy