The 26-year-old from Slough won six matches to reach the Championships last year, before meeting seven-time champion Roger Federer in the second round.
That day Willis delighted the Centre Court crowd with some audacious shot-making, and even elicited the odd smile and nod of appreciation from the Swiss superstar, as he went down to a 6-0 6-3 6-4 defeat.
A year on, and three miles down the road at Roehampton, Willis - having thus far missed out on a Wimbledon wildcard - took on Slovakia's Andrej Martin in the first qualifying round.
Since his SW19 heroics Willis has halved his world ranking to 387, but was still facing a player 241 places higher.
Nevertheless, in front of around 150 spectators - including baby daughter Martha - Willis ran out an impressive 7-5 7-5 winner.
He took the first set in 25 minutes, throwing in the trademark lob which famously beat Federer along the way, before breaking his opponent in the 11th game.
Willis repeated the trick in the second set, breaking Martin to love before serving out to secure another higher-ranked scalp.
The victory set up an all-British clash with Liam Broady, who beat Canadian Frank Dancevic 6-2 6-3, in the second qualifying round.
The winner of that showdown will then face one further qualifying match to reach the Championships, which begin next Monday.
"I'm happy to get the win," said Willis afterwards. "It's great having a home crowd and people cheering for you.
"I'm not putting any pressure on myself. It feels different to last year. I'm happy to be here again but after what I did last year doing less could be disappointing
"I was disappointed not to get a wildcard but I'm determined to get through.
"I've played Liam a few times, I've won a few and lost a few. He's a very good player.
"I know what he is going to bring and he knows what I am going to bring. It will be a chess match tomorrow."
Broady, from Stockport, is relishing the showdown with his friend and compatriot.
The 23-year-old, beaten by Andy Murray in the first round at Wimbledon last year, said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for both of us.
"I've played Marcus seven times so we both know what's on the other side of the net. He's a very tricky customer and I'm looking forward to the battle, that's for sure.
"Hopefully it will be a full court - although a lot of people will be rooting for Marcus. He's a lovable guy and fantastic to watch as well."
