Marcus Willis might be far from a household name in the world of tennis, but the 25-year-old from unglamorous Slough in England has just made the ultimate entrance at Wimbledon.

The player, who's ranked number 772 in the world (and number 23 in Britain), destroyed Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in straight sets on the first day of the annual tournament. Berankis is ranked 54th in the world.

In the process, Willis netted at least £50,000 ($66,000) — way more than the £220 (or $290) he's earned for all of 2016 so far — and a spot opposite Roger Federer in the second round.

Marcus Willis faces Federer in the second round. Image: APRex Features via AP Images

What's even more remarkable: Willis, who was reduced to crowdfunding his tours as his dream of becoming a pro seemed ever more distant, almost quit the game earlier this year.

In January he almost retired, but was persuaded by his girlfriend to keep trying.

Marcus Willis' year...



15 January: Nearly retires from tennis

27 June: Reaches #Wimbledon second round pic.twitter.com/LAASmDjis9 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2016

Fellow Brit Andy Murray was pleased with the result on a dismal day for Britain overall.

Marcus Willis😄😄😄😄😄😄 how good is that! — Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 27, 2016

Following his victory Monday, which saw him beat Berankis 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, Willis looked forward to his game with Federer.

"I'm going to go out there and try to win the tennis match," he told reporters. "I probably won't. I might not. But I'm going to give everything, as I have the last seven matches."

"His story is exactly what our sport needs sometimes"



- Roger Federer on his 2R opponent, Marcus Willis#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/PxM0IJmfGl — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2016

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