GB's Samuel claims maiden Grand Slam win as Norrie exits US Open

British qualifier Toby Samuel marked his US Open main-draw debut with a commanding straight-sets victory over former world number 20 Tomas Machac, winning 6-2 6-3 6-2 in just over 90 minutes to claim his first-ever Grand Slam match win.

The 23-year-old from Winchester had come through qualifying by recovering from a set down in all three matches this week, securing his third Grand Slam appearance of the year. Just two years ago, Samuel had slipped to nearly 2,000th in the world rankings after bone bruising in his right arm sidelined him for much of the 2024 season.

He now sits inside the ATP top 100 and earned $140,000 (£103,000) for the win, the biggest payday of his career. After winning 36 of 39 matches on the Challenger Tour last year to climb back into the top 300, Samuel has reached new heights in 2026 — making his Grand Slam debut at the French Open, reaching the semi-finals in Eastbourne, receiving a Wimbledon wildcard, and claiming a third Challenger title of the year in Winnipeg.

His new ranking guarantees automatic entry into January's Australian Open, completing his set of major tournament debuts. He will face Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka in the second round.

Fellow Briton Katie Boulter also advanced to round two, beating American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee 6-4 3-6 6-0.

Samuel said he still feels somewhat starstruck around top players but is growing more comfortable, crediting his time at the University of South Carolina, where he won an All American doubles title, for his development. Several of his college teammates attended his first-round win, while his parents were instead supporting his brother, who has just started university in America.