GB's Samuel qualifies for first Grand Slam

Breaking news from the world of sport: GB's Samuel qualifies for first Grand SlamImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Before this year's French Open, Toby Samuel had only won one Grand Slam qualifying match - at Wimbledon in 2023ByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalistPublished16 minutes agoBritain's Toby Samuel will make his Grand Slam main draw debut after triumphing in the final round of French Open qualifying. The 23-year-old has climbed to 159th in the world after a series of title triumphs on the ATP Challenger Tour, having been ranked outside the world's top 1,300 just 12 months ago. After overcoming former world number seven David Goffin on Wednesday, Samuel battled back from a set down against Peru's Gonzalo Bueno to win 5-7 6-1 6-3 in Paris.

He is now guaranteed to more than double his career prize money total of £118,300. Samuel will receive at least £166,000 as a reward for his efforts even if he loses his first-round match when the tournament begins on Sunday. Samuel missed much of the 2024 season after suffering bone bruising in his right arm and slipped to almost 2,000 in the world rankings.

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He has said he received support from fellow British player Jack Draper during those difficult moments - and attempted to return the favour when Draper suffered a similar injury last year. Raducanu faces tricky start - who plays who at French Open? Published24 minutes agoFrench Open - schedule, seedings and how to follow Published37 minutes agoSamuel told Sport earlier this year that he did not feel completely healthy until midway through 2025.

He has gone from strength to strength since then, winning four Challenger titles - the second tier of men's professional tennis - since November. Now, he must now prepare for the biggest match of his career after overcoming the 185th-ranked Bueno. The Briton's instinctive reaction to winning was to place his hands on his head in disbelief as he attempted to process his achievement.

It was a second memorable comeback in as many days, with Samuel having beat Goffin 5-7 6-3 6-3 after toppling American Martin Damm Jr - world number 112 and seeded seventh in qualifying - in the first round. Samuel has never contested a singles match on the ATP Tour, never mind at a Grand Slam, but will now eagerly wait to learn his French Open first-round opponent as he takes to the sport's biggest stage. He could yet be joined by Britain's world number 237 Felix Gill, who will also bid for a first major singles appearance when he takes on 147th-ranked Frenchman Kyrian Jacquet on Friday.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.