French Open Qualifying 2026: Toby Samuel one win from main draw at Roland Garros

Britain’s Toby Samuel is one win away from a maiden Grand Slam singles appearance by defeating former world number seven David Goffin to qualify for the French Open to set up the most lucrative match of his career.

The 23-year-old was ranked outside the world’s top 1,300 12 months ago but has risen to a career-high 159th after winning four titles on the ATP Challenger Tour – the second tier of men’s professional tennis.

On Wednesday, the Belgian veteran made a memorable comeback to beat Goffin 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 in the final at Roland Garros.

Samuel will now face Peru’s Gonzalo Bueno in the main draw of the French Open.

Samuel pocketed €57,000 (£49,300) by claiming the first two qualifications of his career at an overseas Grand Slam – increasing his career prize money total of £118,300 by 42%.

A win in his final qualifying match is worth an extra €48,000 (£41,500), while it will guarantee him a minimum of €87,000 (£75,200) in the first round of the main draw.

“First of all, it was an honor to play against David at his last Roland Garros,” Samuel told the Suzanne Lenglen crowd on the tournament’s second-largest arena.

“You are an inspiration to all tennis players out there, it was amazing to share the court with you.

“It was the craziest environment I’ve ever been a part of.”

Samuel missed most of the 2024 season with an injury and said he didn’t feel healthy again until mid-2025.

He has never competed in a match on the ATP Tour but is now one win away from making his first appearance on one of the game’s biggest stages.