Hady Habib Makes History As The First Lebanese Player To Win A Grand Slam Match

Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 11, 2025

“The crowd was uncontrollable, and it made it even more difficult to win in front of them,” said Hady Habib, who had just won his first match at a major tournament by defeating China's Bu Yunchaokete 7-6, 6-4, 7. -6.

The former Texas A&M Aggie, who lived from age six to 12 in Lebanon and learned the game from his Lebanese father, didn't take for granted what his victory meant to the entire nation.

“It is a great victory, especially what we were facing as a country. I'm thinking of bringing something good, especially since we've had such a hard time with the war obviously. We have had other problems in the past,” he said. “Yes, it is good to have this success for Lebanon and the people.”

Habib was born in Houston, but has represented Lebanon since he was 15 years old.

He said: “My father is from Lebanon.” “From the age of 6 to 12, I lived there and studied there. I started playing tennis in Lebanon. I still have many friends there. My parents live there now.

“Yes, I have represented Lebanon since I was 15 years old when I played my first Davis Cup match. Yes, that is the story.”
The win, which earns him $132,000, will help him further his professional ambitions. Ranked 219th at the start of the Australian Open, the 26-year-old Habib has reached 163rd in the live rankings. He hopes to use Sunday's victory as a spark, and wishes the same for his country.

Habib won his first singles title in Temucu, Chile in December 2024, and became the first player from his country to qualify for a major Grand Slam tournament last week.

On Sunday he stood out again – Habib will face Ugo Humbert in the second round.

“This is the biggest achievement I've had in my entire career,” he said.