Marcus Willis is a name that inspires tennis fans everywhere. He went from local British courts to the world’s biggest tennis stages, facing legends like Roger Federer at Wimbledon.
In this article, you will know Marcus Willis’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. Get ready to learn about his journey, his family, his coaches, and what makes him a unique figure in tennis.
Marcus Willis’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcus Willis |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1990 |
| Age | 34 |
| Education | St Paul’s Primary School, Wokingham; The Forest School, Winnersh |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 196 lbs (89 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2007 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $320,396 |
| Wife | Jennifer Bate |
| Children | 1 daughter (Martha May, born 2017) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Marcus Willis started playing tennis at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the game. He attended St Paul’s Primary School and The Forest School in Winnersh, where he balanced his studies with his growing passion for tennis.
By 2006, he was competing in junior tournaments and steadily building his reputation as a promising young player. In 2008, he reached a career-high junior world ranking of No. 15, proving his ability against top international opponents.
Despite some setbacks, including missing a practice session at the Australian Open, Willis learned valuable lessons about discipline and resilience that shaped his approach to the sport.
Professional Career
Marcus Willis began his professional tennis career in 2007 and spent many years competing in lower-level tournaments, often facing financial and personal challenges.
He gained worldwide attention in 2016 when he qualified for Wimbledon as a low-ranked player and reached the second round, where he played against Roger Federer on Centre Court.
This remarkable achievement made him a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance in the sport. In recent years, Willis has focused on doubles, achieving a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 81 in October 2024.
He has collected several ATP Challenger and ITF titles, showing his continued dedication and passion for tennis.
Wife
Marcus Willis is married to Jennifer Bate, a former beauty model and NHS dental surgeon. The couple met in early 2016 and fell in love quickly, marrying in November 2016 in a romantic candlelit ceremony.
Jennifer supported Marcus through his tennis journey, encouraging him to continue playing when he considered quitting. They have a daughter, Martha May, born in March 2017.
Jennifer also has two sons from a previous relationship, and Marcus has embraced the role of stepfather, forming a close bond with the children. The family lives near Stratford-upon-Avon and often attends Marcus’s matches, providing unwavering support.
Coach
Marcus Willis credits two coaches as having the biggest impact on his career. Victor coached him from ages 10 to 17, shaping his skills and attitude both on and off the court.
Later, Matt Smith from Liverpool became an inspirational figure when Marcus was between 23 and 25 years old.
These coaches helped Marcus develop his game and navigate the ups and downs of professional tennis. In recent years, Willis has also partnered with Scott Duncan in doubles, and their teamwork has brought success on the ATP Challenger and ITF tours.
Marcus Willis’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Marcus Willis’s net worth is estimated at $500,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $42,000 |
| 2023 | $68,000 |
| 2024 | $95,000 |
| 2025 | $115,396 |
Career Stats
| Category | Record/Rank/Title |
|---|---|
| Career High Doubles | No. 81 (Oct 28, 2024) |
| ATP Challenger Doubles Titles | 8 |
| ITF World Tennis Tour Doubles Titles | 37 |
| Doubles Finals | 68 |
| Doubles Record | 45–23 |
| Wimbledon Best | 2nd Round (2016) |
| Junior World Ranking | No. 15 (2008) |
FAQs
1. How did Marcus Willis become famous at Wimbledon?
Willis became famous at Wimbledon 2016 when he qualified for the main draw as world No. 772 and reached the second round, where he played against Roger Federer on Centre Court. His underdog story captured the hearts of tennis fans.
2. Who is Marcus Willis’s wife and how did they meet?
His wife is Jennifer Bate, an NHS dental surgeon and former model. They met at a concert in early 2016, fell in love quickly, and married later that year. Jennifer has supported his tennis career from the start.
3. What is Marcus Willis’s highest ATP doubles ranking?
His highest ATP doubles ranking is No. 81, which he achieved on October 28, 2024. This ranking reflects his success in doubles after focusing on that format in recent years.
4. Does Marcus Willis have children?
Willis has a daughter named Martha May, born in March 2017. He is also a stepfather to Jennifer’s two sons from her previous relationship, and he is very involved in their lives.
5. What has been the biggest challenge in Willis’s tennis career?
The biggest challenge for Willis has been financial stability. He has spoken about the struggles of funding a tennis career outside the top ranks and how sponsorships and family support have been crucial to keeping his dream alive.
