MARCUS Willis will attempt to gradually improve his ranking until he is a contender for Great Britain’s Davis Cup squad.

Willis, 26, famously burst into the spotlight at Wimbledon last summer by winning seven matches to set up a second round encounter on centre court with Swiss maestro, Roger Federer.

The world number 445 has so far competed at ITF Futures events in Glasgow and Tipton this year, but he aims to compete in more prestigious events as his ranking improves.

Having struggled with injury in the past, the Slough player’s main priority is to stay injury free for the full year, something he has not done before.

“I don’t have too much expectation for this year. I want to get to the top 100 but that can take two or three years,” said Willis.

“Staying fully fit and completing a full calendar year for the first time would be wonderful as I’ve never managed to do that before.”

Willis has seen pal, Dan Evans’ meteoric rise to world number 47 and he wants to replicate that kind of form.

He continued: “Dan has always had a high level of tennis in him and that’s what I’m trying to do as well, but it takes longer than you think.

“Not everyone in the top 100 is 17-23 anymore.

“The average age of top 100 players is 29-30 now so you’ve got to hang-in at your game and believe in yourself.”

Like many tennis players, Willis dreams of representing his country in the Davis Cup. However, with Great Britain’s strength in depth, he knows it will be tough.

Willis commented: “Playing in Davis Cup the is one of my big goals. I would love to play for my country on the big stage.

“I know I’ve got to work hard.

“There’s other guys out there with the same dream, so I’ve got to get my ranking up.”