BRITISH qualifier Toby Samuel reflected on a meteoric rise after breaking into the top 100 on his US Open debut.

The 23-year-old from Winchester — dubbed the “Winchester Rifle” due to his powerful serve — shocked former top-20 star Tomas Machac 6-2 6-3 6-2 in round one at Flushing Meadows.

That win moved him provisionally up to a career-high 91 in the live ATP rankings, a sharp upward curve from being ranked 1871 in January last year.

“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.

“So I knew that I had the level to jump up the levels 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.” 

Samuel takes on Czech player 18th seed Jiri Lehecka in round two tomorrow.