Team Bath Tennis standout Toby Samuel has been awarded a wildcard entry into the men’s singles main draw at Wimbledon 2026, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This opportunity follows his recent debut at the French Open, signaling a rapid ascent in the world of Grand Slam tennis.
Coached by Ian MacDonald and Tiernan Brady, Samuel has been making impressive strides on the ATP circuit. This week, he reached a career-high ranking of 144, reflecting his consistent improvements over the past year. To prepare for Wimbledon’s grass courts, Samuel recently competed at the Lexus Ilkley Open, where he advanced to the quarter-finals, and participated in the HSBC Championships.
The HSBC event was particularly notable as it marked Samuel’s first match on the iconic Queen’s Club courts. In the Round of 32, he faced Arthur Fery, a former Junior Wimbledon doubles teammate. The match was significant for both players, being their first ATP 500-level contest. Although Samuel suffered a 6-0, 6-2 loss, this setback was a rare blot in an otherwise remarkable 12 months, during which he climbed from 1,405th to his current ranking.
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With this wildcard, Samuel is not only set to gain invaluable experience but also guarantees a minimum prize money of £80,000, the standard payout for all first-round entrants at Wimbledon. This milestone underscores his rising profile and the promising trajectory of his tennis career.