Hady Habib wrote a memorable page in the history of Lebanese tennis on Sunday by winning his very first match in the main draw of the Australian Open. With this exceptional performance, he became the first Lebanese player to triumph in singles in a Grand Slam tournament, a feat which illustrates his determination and talent.
Habib is not his first feat of arms: he had already made history by becoming the first Lebanese to participate in the Australian Open. This victory crowns constant progress and marks a turning point in his career.
An impressive qualifying round
Before reaching this historic milestone, Habib had already impressed during qualifying. In just five days, he won three crucial matches, defeating Patrick Kypson (United States) and Chun-Hsin Tseng (Chinese Taipei) in matches marked by tight tie-breaks. These victories demonstrated his ability to remain calm under pressure and meet challenges with flying colors.
A solid performance
In his first round in the main draw, Habib, who was not a favorite, showed exceptional concentration.
The first set was hotly contested, with both players holding their serve until the tie-break. In this decisive moment, Habib held on and won the tiebreak 7-4, securing the first set.
In the second set, the Lebanese continued his momentum, relying on an excellent service. With an impressive total of 18 aces throughout the match, he was able to put his opponent under pressure and win 6-4 without much difficulty.
The third set was a real fight. Yunchaokete Bu, determined to get back into the match, redoubled his efforts. However, Habib, supported by the fervent encouragement of the Lebanese fans present, held on. After another intense tie-break, he sealed his victory with a score of 8-6, capping a heroic performance.
A historic feat
With this victory, Hady Habib continues to write the history of Lebanese sport. Against all odds, he qualified for the second round, proving that nothing is impossible with hard work and perseverance.
While his next opponent remains to be determined, Habib and his supporters dream of going even further. This young athlete seems ready to take on all challenges to carry the colors of Lebanon high on the international stage.
