Bath-based tennis player Toby Samuel has been selected as the fifth member of Great Britain’s Davis Cup team for the upcoming tie against Ecuador. The 23-year-old secured his place in the squad following a strong performance at the US Open, where he successfully navigated the qualifying rounds and reached the second round.
Samuel was chosen ahead of higher-ranked Jan Choinski and more experienced Jacob Fearnley, both of whom also reached the second round at Flushing Meadows. His inclusion marks his first call-up to the national team by captain Leon Smith.
Samuel will join teammates Arthur Fery, Cam Norrie, and doubles specialists Henry Patten and Lloyd Glasspool at the Copper Box Arena in London, where the Davis Cup tie is scheduled for 19 and 20 September.
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Captain Leon Smith, who attended the US Open in New York to observe the British players, praised Samuel’s development, stating, “Toby’s rate of progress in the last 12 to 18 months has been excellent. He won a Challenger event on hard courts this summer and performed well here.” Smith added, “It was a tough choice, but I think Toby’s a good fit for this one. He’s got big firepower, with a strong setup and a big forehand. He also moves well. Spending a week alongside Cam and Arthur will be very beneficial for him.”