Roland Garros 2026: Toby Samuel qualifies for Grand Slam main draw debut
• 2 minute read
Britain’s Toby Samuel is set to make his Grand Slam main draw debut after winning his final qualifying match at Roland Garros.
The 23-year-old came back from a set down to beat Gonzalo Bueno 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in the final round of qualifying to reach the main draw at Roland Garros.
This marks a milestone moment for Samuel, who has never competed in the singles main draw of a major tournament before. His only previous Grand Slam experience came in 2023 when he played in the doubles draw at The Championships, Wimbledon.
It rounded off an impressive qualifying campaign, which began with a confident 7-6(11), 6-2 victory over Martin Damm before he knocked out former world No.7 David Goffin, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.
Samuel now becomes the sixth British tennis player to feature in the Roland Garros singles draw this year - joining Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Francesca Jones, Cam Norrie and Jacob Fearnley.
Felix Gill could add to that tally should he win his final qualifying match on Friday 22 May.
This achievement is the latest in a rapid rise for Samuel, who is supported by the LTA Pro Transition Programme and currently enjoying a strong run of form on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Just 12 months ago, he was ranked outside the world’s top 1000 after being forced to miss the majority of the 2024 season due to injury. Now, the 23-year-old from Dorset has surged to a career-high ranking of world No.159.
Samuel capped off last year by winning two Challenger 50 titles in Soma Bay and Manama before adding a further two to his collection this year in Hersonissos, alongside an M25 title.
His appearance in Paris will also mark his first singles match on the ATP Tour. He'll find out who he will be facing in the first round later today.
