US Open: Britain's Toby Samuel's meteoric rise from world No 1,871 and playing in Guatemala to the US Open second round

Britain's Toby Samuel has come a long way from the start of 2025 - rising from 1,871 in the world to the US Open second round.

Samuel, who came through qualifying to make his main draw debut at Flushing Meadows, needed just an hour and 32 minutes to beat the former world No 20 Tomas Machac and book his place in the second round.

The 23-year-old - dubbed the 'Winchester Rifle' due to his powerful serve - hammered down serves of up to 135mph to blow his Czech opponent away.

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In doing so Samuel moved into the world's top 100 while earning £140,000, comfortably the biggest pay day of his career.

The win is the latest milestone in a remarkable rise for Samuel, who was ranked world No 1,871 in January 2025.

Since then, the former University of South Carolina alumnus has captured five ATP Challenger titles and reached his first ATP Tour semi-final at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in June.

"Yeah, it's kind of surreal," he said. "When I was obviously that ranking, I didn't even imagine I'd be playing these events this year.

"I was sort of hoping to be playing Challenger tournaments, and then obviously here now I've managed to carry on that form for the last year and haven't really looked back, so I'm just so happy I'm able to be in this situation now.

"I always had a good amount of belief because I was top at college for the last few years. I got to 400 and then I was injured, so that's obviously one of the reasons why my ranking was that low.

"I knew that I had the level to jump up and play here, but obviously not this fast.

"I've always believed in myself and obviously now it's paid off. I'm here now."

First ranking point in Guatemala

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Life on the lowest rung of the tennis tour takes players to some weird and not-so-wonderful places, and Samuel recalled where he picked up his very first ranking point at a tournament in Guatemala in 2021 against Chilean player Michel Vernier and he won 13-11 in the third set to pocket $258 in prize money.

"It was 10pm at night, I was exhausted, I had five match points and I was just like to my mum, 'I want to fly home, I've got one point'.

"You have to go through all the tough experiences to be able to play at this level in the end, and those sort of build who you are as a character."

Targeting the next level

Samuel, who possesses a powerful serve and huge groundstrokes, says he is trying to hone his game so he can mix it with the very best.

"I have natural power, which is really helpful with tennis players, but having that power, you've got to be able to control it, because if you're missing a lot, it's not as effective as it can be.

"Definitely the last year, I've focused on being a tough competitor first, and then use those sort of weapons on top of that.

"I've been trying to learn how to use some more skills on the court. The last few months especially, I've been working my slice and my qualities in hand, which is the next step in my game, I think, to get to the next level."

Tricky Lehecka next...

He goes on to face 18th seed Jiri Lehecka in the next round, who beat Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets.

Samuel added: "He's one of the top guys in the game right now. He's such a good player and he's a big weapon, so I have to really try and stop him from playing his game when I play him the next match. It would be a good test to see where I'm at against those top guys again."

Speaking to Sky Sports, Tim Henman has been impressed with Samuel's meteoric rise.

"When you reflect on the way that's he's played in qualifying and then coming into a first round at a Grand Slam, against Tomas Machac, who is a quality player and to only lose seven games is a great achievement. This is another massive set for him. It's a huge opportunity, big points, enormous prize money that he can reinvest in his tennis and his team so why stop now? Hopefully he can keep going," said the former British No 1.

"He's really worked his way up in the rankings and with the Grand Slams there's that chance to win big. He really is moving in the right direction."

The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.