GB's Samuel qualifies for first Grand Slam
Britain's Toby Samuel reaches the first Grand Slam main draw of his career with victory in the final round of French Open qualifying.
Before this year's French Open, Toby Samuel had only won one Grand Slam qualifying match - at Wimbledon in 2023 [Getty Images] 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 latest 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," said 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. " Raducanu faces tricky start - who plays who at French Open?