“It was one of my dreams as a kid to play in the Davis Cup” - Toby Samuel on receiving his first Davis Cup call-up

“The one I always remember is Andy Murray beating David Goffin on the clay and that was an insane match. That was the one that made me really want to play in the Davis Cup and be a part of that.

“I’m looking forward to going out there and supporting the team and, if I get to play, giving it everything I have.”

Samuel comes in as the latest addition to a relatively new-look Davis Cup team.

The 24-year-old is the only debutant in a formidable squad featuring seasoned team members Cam Norrie and Neal Skupski, along with British No.1 Arthur Fery and doubles world No.1 Henry Patten - who have only competed in one tie each.

Fery, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season of his own, reaching the Wimbledon semi-final and his maiden ATP Tour final, represents a familiar face in the squad for Samuel.

The pair grew up together in the junior ranks and both chose to go through the NCAA system before turning professional. Now, they are just days away from sharing the stage and representing their country at the Davis Cup. 

“Everyone is so nice and welcoming,” Samuel said. “I didn’t know them all well before coming here, but they have all been so nice to me and I feel part of the team already.

“Arthur I’ve known since I was a kid and to play in the same team as him is unbelievable. After the US Open I said to Arthur, ‘This is crazy.’

"Having played orange and green ball against each other at like 10-and-under to be here playing Davis Cup together. It’s an unbelievable journey we’ve been on, even though it’s been very different paths. We both ended up here, which is really cool.”

The call-up is the latest reward for a season that has transformed Samuel's career, with the Brit enjoying a rapid rise through the rankings and establishing himself on the ATP and ATP Challenger Tours.

Having started the year ranked No.261 in the world, the Brit has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2026, lifting four titles, including three ATP Challenger crowns, and reaching his maiden ATP semi-final at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.

He has also competed in the main draw at three of the four Grand Slams, recorded his first major match win (US Open) and broke into the world's top 100 for the first time in his career.

Despite the rankings rise, titles and breakthrough results, there's one childhood dream that still stands above the rest.

“It’s been a really good year for me. I’ve been really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve. 

“The standout moment has been playing Wimbledon. Being on Court 3, to have my whole family there, coaches and old coaches as well. That whole experience is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a really young kid just starting to play tennis. It was a huge milestone for me to play the main draw at Wimbledon.”

After years of watching the competition as a fan and hoping to one day step onto the court with the British flag on his chest, Samuel now finds himself on the verge of making that dream a reality.

Whether he’s called upon to make his debut or supporting his teammates from the sidelines, the Bournemouth-native is brimming with excitement at experiencing the unique atmosphere the Davis Cup brings - including a rookie initiation song as the newest member of the team.