Toby Samuel Qualifies for First Major at French Open 2026

Toby Samuel secured his first Grand Slam main draw appearance at the French Open on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after coming through three rounds of qualifying. The 23-year-old Briton’s journey has been marked by resilience and hard work, propelling him to a ranking just outside the world’s top 150.

Samuel’s recent achievements have followed a challenging period; he had missed much of the 2024 season due to bone bruising in his right arm, which saw him drop to nearly 2,000 in the rankings. However, a revival came at the end of 2025 when he won an impressive 36 of 39 matches on the ATP Challenger Tour, enabling him to climb more positions than any other player on the men's tour that year.

His momentum carried into 2026, where he achieved back-to-back Challenger titles in March, contributing to a remarkable 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. "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."

Furthermore, reaching the main draw allows Samuel to afford his own hotel room at Roland Garros, rather than sharing accommodations with his coach. The significance of his accomplishments is illustrated by his ranking leap of 1,786 places since the end of 2024, bringing him to 159th. Over the past year, he has won 67 of his 80 matches, and reaching the French Open main draw will increase his career prize money by 63.5%. Samuel is guaranteed a minimum payout of £75,200, even if he loses his first-round match when the tournament commences on Sunday, May 24.

In a memorable qualifying performance, Samuel battled back from a set down to defeat Gonzalo Bueno from Peru, 5-7 6-1 6-3, after having earlier claimed victory against former world number seven David Goffin. His reaction upon achieving his landmark victory was sheer disbelief, evidenced by his instinctive gesture of placing his hands on his head.

This was not the only major feat for Samuel, who had earlier overcome American Martin Damm Jr, ranked 112th and seeded seventh in qualifying.

Samuel, who previously reached the Wimbledon boys’ doubles semi-finals in 2019, is set to discover his first-round opponent at the French Open on Friday when the draw is completed. He may also be joined in the main draw by fellow Briton Felix Gill, currently ranked 237th, who seeks his first major singles appearance against 147th-ranked Kyrian Jacquet.