Wimbledon 2017 qualifying: Marcus Willis misses out on SW19 return

Marcus Willis has missed out on a return to Wimbledon after losing in straight sets to Illya Marchenko.

Compatriot Liam Brody was dispatched 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (7-2) 6-2 in the previous round to set up the decider, but the Ukrainian ninth seed was too strong.

Willis memorably reached the second round at SW19 last year where he faced seven-time champion Roger Federer, losing 6-0 6-3 6-4 but receiving a standing ovation.

Fellow British men Alex Ward and Jay Clarke also reached the final round of qualifying, the first time such a number have advanced this century.

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WHAT THEY SAID

Marcus Willis: "[Qualifying is] everything. I'm just trying to keep my head down and prove I should be there again.

"[Broady match] was an absolute battle. I thought Liam played fantastically and it's a shame someone had to lose. It's a shame we had to play against each other in qualifying.

"Overall I'm very happy with the win, obviously, but it's tough playing a friend. You have to put your feelings aside and try and win a tennis match."