Wimbledon starlet Marcus Willis is on his way to Tipton Sports Academy for the men’s international tennis event Sunday 5 – Saturday 11 February 2017.
The 26 year old from Slough, undertook a fairy tale journey at Wimbledon 2016, winning 3 matches in pre-qualifying, followed by 3 matches in qualifying, then beating a top 100 player in the 1st round of main draw to set up a centre court date with the now 18 time grand slam champion Roger Federer.
The newly married Willis, returns to Tipton, having won the singles and doubles titles there in 2014, and has fond memories of the venue.
The 2016 Wimbledon star commented ‘I’m definitely looking forward to returning to Tipton, I enjoy playing there, the atmosphere last time was really great, and the venue makes everyone feel really welcome’
He added ‘at the start of 2017 I’m looking forward to building on what I did at Wimbledon last year, and can’t wait to get started.’
Laurynas Grigelis is the highest ranked player converging on the West Midlands. The 25 year old Lithuanian Davis Cup player, like Willis, is returning to Tipton as a previous champion, having won the men’s singles title in 2013.
Besides Willis, the British challenge is led by 23 year old Lloyd Glasspool, who comes from Redditch, and who’s older brother Parry is a Holyoaks actor. Having completed a 4 year tennis scholarship in 2015, Glasspool has steadily climbed the rankings reaching a career high of 282 last year, plus made his debut at Wimbledon in the doubles with current British number 2, Dan Evans.
Richard Joyner, Tournament Director, says ‘The players fell so welcome when they come to Tipton, and the atmosphere when Marcus beat Sam Barry in the 2014 final was electric. Courtside seating is set up for the single’s final, and this really helps create a great atmosphere, which I know speaking to Marcus really makes a big difference for the player’s.’
Joyner added ‘Entry for spectators is free throughout the week, with the singles final scheduled for 11.00am on Saturday 11 February. ‘
Men’s qualifying for the Aegon GB Pro-Series Tipton is Sunday 5 & Monday 6 February, with main draw Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 February.
Entry for spectators is free of charge throughout the week, with courtside seating for the men’s singles final at 11.00am on Saturday 11 February.
As well as coming along to watch, you can also follow the scores through live scoring on
www.lta.org.uk/agbps
Whilst the updated entry lists can be found at
http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/men's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100038977
Here’s a link to the Marcus Willis interview after winning at Tipton in 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeiYzDJJLao