TWENTY-three-year Toby Samuel will make his Roland Garros debut today when he comes up against world No 7 Alex de Minaur.
The Dorset tennis sensation has propelled himself into the spotlight after an impressive run of form which has seen him win four ATP Challenge titles since November.
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He has also claimed four ITF World Tennis tour titles since September moving up to 159th in the world rankings – his highest ever.
Samuel’s journey to the main draw in Paris was not easy though.
First he defeated the seventh seed in the qualifiers, American Martin Damm, in straight sets 7–6, 6–2 before setting up a tie with Belgian veteran David Goffin.
Despite going a set down, Samuel battled on to claim victory over the former world No 7, winning 5–7, 6–3, 6–3 in what was Goffin’s final match at Roland Garros.
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The man from St Leonards then dispatched Peru’s Gonzalo Bueno – again from a set a down – winning 5–7, 6–1, 6–3, to clinch his place in the main draw.
Samuel’s attention now turns to the current world number 7 – Australia’s de Minaur – who he will face later today.
The Australian is seeded eighth for this year’s championships in Paris and will prove to be a tough opponent for Samuel to overcome.
He recently reached the semi finals of the ATP 500 in Hamburg before falling to defeat at the hands of American Tommy Paul.
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So far this season the Australian has won 18 and lost 10 matches, claiming one title at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam in February.
But Samuel will have the belief he can go a step further and reach the second round.
Since recovering from injury in 2024, the young star has catapulted himself up the rankings and has a season win-loss record for 2026 of 27-8, after his impressive return to the court in 2025.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner remains’ the favourite for this year’s tournament with Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz out with an injury.
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Serbian veteran and all-time great Novak Djokovic is still considered a threat to Sinner with the 39-year-old going in search of his fourth Roland Garros title.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev is also seen as a threats in a loaded top half draw with the 29-year-old this year’s second seed.
In the women’s draw, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, four‑time Paris champion Iga Swiatek, defending champion Coco Gauff and Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina are the leading contenders.
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Stand‑out first‑round ties include Arthur Fils v Stan Wawrinka and Gauff’s title defence starting against Taylor Townsend.
The British singles contingent this year includes Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Francesca Jones, Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley as well as Samuel.
