Toby Samuel: Brit ready to target top 100 in men’s tennis rankings

Toby Samuel says he is now focused on reaching the top 100 of the men’s tennis rankings after making his Grand Slam debuts at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Winchester-born Samuel came through three rounds of qualifying at the French Open, before losing to world number eight Alex de Minaur in the first round.

The 23-year-old, now based in Bath, was handed a Wimbledon wildcard before taking Czech 15th seed and French Open semi-finalist Jakub Mensik to five sets.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” Samuel told BBC Points West.

“Getting to play on that court with a player as good as Jacob. I pushed him all the way to a fifth set tie-break, my first ever five-set match.

“Trying to break into the top 100 is my next goal, and reaching Grand Slam main draws on my own is the next goal for me.”

Samuel was ranked outside the top 1,000 at the beginning of 2025, but arrived at SW19 at a career-high ranking of 123 after reaching the Eastbourne semi-finals last week.

He takes home £80,000 after going out in the first round at Wimbledon, to go alongside £34,995 from Eastbourne, and over £75,000 from his run at Roland Garros.

He knows money and points are vital for his rise up the rankings, but says you cannot buy the experience he will get from matches like the Mensik defeat.

“It was very tough mentally and physically. You have to stay focused and compete for such a long time,” Samuel added.

“It’s draining, but I’m glad to have done it for the first time, and I know that I can do, and I can get through them so hopefully in the future the next one I have I can try and win.

“There are a lot of key things to take away from it, and also improve, and be happy with how I did. It’s really given me the confidence to move forward and know that I can play at this level.”

Samuel will now head to Canada for some Challenger events, and then go to the USA for a number of ATP and Challenger tournaments ahead of targeting the US Open at the end of August.

“Hard (court) is my favourite surface typically, it’s where I’ve had my best results,” he added.

“With a top 100ish (seeding) you can get main draw, I’m not far off so I’m hoping over the next month or so I can really push for that.

“I’m not used to all this, it’s my first time for a lot of these things. It’s about experiencing them a few times, and getting more used to it and comfortable, and the wins will come eventually.”