Hady Habib Makes History as First Lebanese Player to Win Grand Slam Match

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 11, 2025

“The group was completely wild, and it made it much more particular to win in entrance of them,” stated Hady Habib, who had simply received his first match at a serious by defeating China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6, 6-4, 7-6.

The previous Texas A&M Aggie, who lived from ages six by 12 in Lebanon and realized the game from his Lebanese father, didn’t take as a right what his triumph meant for the nation as an entire.

“It is an enormous win, particularly what we have been going by as a rustic. I believe to carry one thing optimistic, particularly we have been having a tough time with clearly the conflict. We had our different points prior to now,” he stated. “Yeah, it is simply good to get this win for Lebanon and for the individuals.”

Habib was born in Houston, however has represented Lebanon since he was 15.

“My father is Lebanese,” he stated. “From the age of 6 till 12 I lived there and went to high school there. I began to play tennis in Lebanon. I nonetheless have a number of buddies again there. My dad and mom at present reside there.

“Yeah, I have been representing Lebanon since I used to be 15 years outdated once I performed my first Davis Cup match. Yeah, that is the story.”
The victory, which earns him $132,000, will assist him additional his personal skilled aspirations. Ranked 219 at first of the Australian Open, 26-year-old Habib is as much as 163 within the reside rankings. He hopes he can use Sunday’s win as a spark, and he needs the identical for his nation.

Habib received his maiden challenger title in Temucu, Chile in December of 2024, then turned the primary participant from his nation to qualify for a Grand Slam major draw final week.

On Sunday he outdid himself but once more – Habib will face Ugo Humbert within the second spherical.

“That is the most important achievement I’ve had in my complete profession,” he stated.