Britain's rising star Toby Samuel has made a remarkable leap since the beginning of 2025, soaring from a world ranking of 1,871 to a place in the second round of the US Open. The 23‑year‑old, known as the "Winchester Rifle" for his thunderous serve, fought his way through qualifying and earned his first main‑draw appearance at Flushing Meadows with a stunning performance that lasted just one hour and thirty‑two minutes.
In that match he dismantled former world No. 20 Tomas Machac, blasting serves that touched 135 mph and securing a comfortable victory that propelled him into the tournament’s next stage.
Samuel's triumph not only moved him into the top 100 of the ATP rankings but also awarded him a payday of £140,000 – the biggest single earnings of his career to date. This win marks yet another milestone in a meteoric rise that began when he was ranked 1,871 in January 2025. Since then, the former University of South Carolina alumnus has claimed five ATP Challenger titles and reached his inaugural ATP Tour semi‑final at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in June. "It feels surreal," Samuel admitted after his victory.
"When I was at that low ranking I never imagined I’d be playing in a Grand Slam this year. I thought I’d be stuck on the Challenger circuit, but I’ve managed to keep my form for the past year and it’s paid off. I’m just thrilled to be here now." He reflected on his journey, noting that a serious injury after reaching a collegiate ranking of 400 had caused his dramatic slide down the rankings.
"I always believed I had the level to get back up, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Now my confidence is rewarded and I’m finally where I belong," he said. Samuel’s path to the top has not been without hardship.
He recalled earning his very first ATP point at a modest tournament in Guatemala in 2021, where he faced Chilean Michel Vernier. After a grueling three‑set battle that ended 13‑11 in the final set, Samuel walked away with $258 and a hard‑earned ranking point. "It was 10 p.m., I was exhausted, I had five match points and I just told my mum, ‘I want to fly home, I’ve got one point.’ Those tough experiences shape you as a player and as a person," he explained.
Known for a powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes, Samuel is now focusing on refining his game to compete with the sport’s elite. "Power is a great asset, but you have to control it. If you’re missing too many shots, the power becomes a liability," he said. Over the past year he has concentrated on becoming a tougher competitor first, then layering his natural weapons on top.
Recently he has been working on his slice, backhand variation and net play, describing these as the next steps needed to reach the next level. In the second round Samuel will meet 18th seed Jiri Lehecka, who recently dispatched Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets. "Lehecka is one of the top players right now, a real weapon. I have to disrupt his rhythm and force him out of his comfort zone.
It will be a good test of where I stand against the best," Samuel said. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Samuel’s rapid ascent, noting the significance of his performance in a Grand Slam debut. "To qualify and then lose only seven games to a quality player like Machac is a huge achievement.
The points and prize money he’s earned can be reinvested in his team and his development. He’s moving in the right direction and should keep pushing forward," Henman told Sky Sports.
Samuel’s story underscores the unpredictable nature of professional tennis, where players can rise from the lowest rungs to the bright lights of a major tournament within a single season. His journey from a $258 payday in Guatemala to a six‑figure prize at the US Open illustrates the importance of perseverance, belief, and continual improvement.
As the tournament continues, fans will be watching to see whether Samuel can translate his raw power and growing skill set into further upsets against higher‑ranked opponents. The US Open is being broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Samuel’s next match promises to be a compelling clash of emerging talent against established seed, offering a glimpse of the future of British tennis.