Toby Samuel Qualify First Grand Slam

Britain’s Toby Samuel will make his Grand Slam main draw debut after coming through the final round of qualifying at the French Open.

The 23-year-old, who has surged to 159th in the world following a string of ATP Challenger Tour titles, was ranked outside the top 1,300 just a year ago.

After shocking former world number seven David Goffin on Wednesday, Samuel rallied from a set down to defeat Peru’s Gonzalo Bueno 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in Paris.

The result guarantees he will more than double his career prize money earnings of £118,300. Even with a first-round loss when the tournament begins on Sunday, Samuel will take home at least £166,000.

Samuel missed much of the 2024 season with bone bruising in his right arm, slipping to nearly 2,000th in the rankings.

He has said that fellow Briton Jack Draper supported him during those tough times – and he tried to return the favour when Draper suffered a similar injury.