Willis given wildcard into Wimbledon qualifying

 

Originally published on 21/06/17 00:00

The 26-year-old made global headlines last year due to his fairytale run into the second round at the All England Club. He claimed the scalp of Ricardas Berankis but was eventually upended by Roger Federer on Centre Court.

Willis, currently ranked No.387, had hoped to get a wildcard into the main draw however he has been given direct access into the doubles competition. The 26-year-old will partner his countryman, Jay Clarke.

Fellow Brits, Liam Broady, Edward Corrie, Lloyd Glasspool and Clarke have also been provided with wildcards into the qualifying draw.

Meanwhile, Tommy Haas, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon eight years ago and is likely to retire at the end of the season, has been given a wildcard into the main draw. He will be joined by the talented young Canadian, Denis Shapovalov.

Brydan Klein, James Ward and Cameron Norrie have also all gained main draw access.

In the women’s side, four British players have been given wildcards into the main draw. Laura Robson, Heather Watson, Naomi Broady and Katie Boulter can all look forward to the action in SW19. They will be joined by Zarina Diyas from Kazakhstan.

A number of young British players will be involved in qualifying. Freya Christie, Harriet Dart, Katy Dunne, Katie Swan and Gabriella Taylor will all be targeting the main draw. 

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