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GB’s Samuel qualifies for first Grand SlamImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Before this year’s French Open, Toby Samuel had only won one Grand Slam qualifying match – at Wimbledon in 2023ByHarry Poole, BBC Sport journalist and Jonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter in Paris
The past 18 months could not have gone much better for Toby Samuel had the Briton scripted it himself.
The 23-year-old booked his spot in a Grand Slam main draw for the first time in his career on Thursday, having come through three rounds of French Open qualifying.
It is the newest high in a tale of patience and perseverance – one that has seen him rise to the cusp of the world’s top 150.
Samuel missed much of the 2024 season after suffering bone bruising in his right arm, slipping to almost 2,000 in the rankings.
He revived his career when he returned, winning 36 of 39 matches on the ATP Challenger Tour at the end of 2025 and climbing more places than anyone else on the men’s tour in that year.
The momentum continued into 2026. The Englishman, who grew up in Winchester, claimed back-to-back Challenger titles in March as part of a 15-match winning streak.
“It’s a massive reward for me, my whole team and family just to watch me at this event,” mentioned Samuel, who started playing aged three at his local club in Bournemouth.
“Playing in the main draw you’re surrounded by all the top guys, and that’s where I want to be.
“Getting through to the main draw is a dream come true. It’s huge validation for all the work I’ve put in.”
There is another benefit to Samuel – he can afford his own hotel room at Roland Garros, instead of bunking up with his coach.
“That is probably the secret of why I’ve done well,” Samuel joked.
The numbers behind Samuel’s rise are incredible:
Since the end of 2024, he has risen 1,786 places to 159 in the current rankings
In the past year he has won 67 of his 80 matches
Reaching the Roland Garros main draw means he has boosted his career prize money total by 63.5% this week
Samuel is guaranteed to receive at least £75,200 as a reward for his efforts, even if he loses his first-round match when the tournament begins on Sunday.
After overcoming former world number seven David Goffin on Wednesday, Samuel battled back from a set down against Peru’s Gonzalo Bueno to win 5-7 6-1 6-3 in Paris.
The Briton’s instinctive reaction to winning was to place his hands on his head in disbelief as he attempted to process his achievement.
It was a second memorable comeback in as many days, with Samuel having beat Goffin 5-7 6-3 6-3 after toppling American Martin Damm Jr – world number 112 and seeded seventh in qualifying – in the first round.
Now, he must now prepare for the biggest match of his career after overcoming the 185th-ranked Bueno.
Samuel, who reached the Wimbledon boys’ doubles semi-finals in 2019 alongside fellow Briton Arthur Fery, has never contested a singles match on the ATP Tour – never mind at a Grand Slam.
He will now eagerly wait to find out who his French Open first-round opponent when the qualifiers are placed into the draw on Friday.
He could yet be joined by Britain’s world number 237 Felix Gill, who will also bid for a first major singles appearance when he takes on 147th-ranked Frenchman Kyrian Jacquet on Friday.
French Open
Sunday, 24 May – Sunday, 7 June
Live text commentaries of key matches on the BBC Sport website and app, along with daily commentary live from Court Philippe-Chatrier across 5 Live Sport, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app
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