Hady Habib has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the first player from Lebanon to win a singles match at a Grand Slam event. Competing at the Australian Open, Habib defeated China's Bu Yunchaokete, ranked No. 219, in a thrilling match. The victory took place on court 13, where an enthusiastic crowd of Lebanese fans rallied behind him. Holding the Lebanon flag high, Habib celebrated amidst chants of his name, marking a poignant moment in his career.
Habib, ranked 67th in the world during the match, achieved a milestone by securing his first victory over a top-100 player. Born in Houston, Texas, Habib spent six formative years in Lebanon, where he developed a passion for tennis. He has proudly represented Lebanon since age 15, debuting in the Davis Cup for the nation. His recent triumph at the Challenger Tour in Chile facilitated his qualification for the Australian Open, making him the first Lebanese player to reach a Grand Slam's main draw through qualifying rounds.
“This is probably one of the best days of my career, honestly,” Habib shared, reflecting on his groundbreaking achievement.
The win holds significant meaning for Habib, especially against the backdrop of conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have inflicted considerable devastation. Despite these challenges, Habib remains dedicated to his sport and his country. His path in professional tennis has been largely self-supported, apart from assistance from a sponsor.
“It’s such an incredible feeling to get this win. Not only for myself but for Lebanon and Lebanese tennis,” he expressed.
In the next round, Habib will go head-to-head with France's 14th seed Ugo Humbert on Wednesday, adding another layer of anticipation to his Australian Open journey.
“This is the biggest achievement I’ve had in my entire career,” Habib remarked, underscoring the magnitude of his victory.
“It’s a huge win, especially with what we’ve been going through as a country,” he added, emphasizing the broader significance of his success.
Leave a Reply