Toby Samuel: 5 Facts About Tennis’s Breakout British Star
Toby Samuel is having a moment. The British tennis player is battling through US Open qualifying this week, and search interest in Toby Samuel tennis news has spiked as he chases a spot in his first-ever Grand Slam main draw. Here’s what to know about the rising star making waves in New York.
Toby Samuel Is Fighting for a US Open Main Draw Spot
Samuel opened his 2026 US Open qualifying campaign with a straight-sets win over Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli, advancing through the opening round of a 128-player qualifying draw that narrows down to just 16 spots in the main draw. He’s continued that run into the later qualifying rounds this week, facing fellow Brit Billy Harris as he looks to punch his ticket to his first Grand Slam main draw appearance.
He Took the College Tennis Route
Unlike many pros who turn professional as teenagers, Samuel went the American college route, playing for the University of South Carolina, where he studied sports management. He won an All-American doubles title during his time there and was named an ITA Singles All-American in his final collegiate season — a path that’s becoming increasingly common among rising British players.
2026 Has Been His Breakout Season
Samuel reached his first career ATP semifinal at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in June 2026, a major milestone in a season that’s seen him climb steadily up the rankings. He backed that up with a run to the first round of the French Open main draw, marking his Grand Slam main-draw debut earlier this year.
He Almost Went Pro in a Different Sport
Before committing fully to tennis, Samuel was part of AFC Bournemouth’s football academy at age 11. He ultimately chose tennis, a decision that’s paid off with a growing list of career milestones since turning pro.
His First Title Came in Egypt
Samuel won his first ATP Challenger singles title at the inaugural Soma Bay Open in Egypt in November 2025, defeating fellow Brit Jay Clarke in the final — a breakthrough result that helped set up his strong 2026 season.
Read More:- Eng vs Pak: What to Know About the Rain-Delayed Lord’s Test
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Who is Toby Samuel?
Toby Samuel is a British professional tennis player from Winchester, Hampshire, who reached his first ATP semifinal in June 2026 and made his Grand Slam main-draw debut at the French Open the same year.
2.Is Toby Samuel playing in the 2026 US Open?
Yes, he’s competing in the qualifying rounds, aiming for a spot in the main draw after winning his opening qualifying match.
3.Where did Toby Samuel play college tennis?
The University of South Carolina, where he also won an All-American doubles title.
4.What was Toby Samuel’s first professional title?
The 2025 Soma Bay Open in Egypt, an ATP Challenger event, where he beat fellow Brit Jay Clarke in the final.