MELBOURNE, Australia — Hady Habib is breaking barriers as he steps onto the court at the Australian Open, marking a historic moment as the first Lebanese athlete in the Open era to enter a Grand Slam men’s singles draw.
His remarkable journey to the main tournament began with triumph in three qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park. In a nail-biting finale, he edged past France’s Clement Chidekh with a tiebreaker score of 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8) on Thursday, securing his spot as the competition kicks off this Sunday.
Hady’s meteoric rise continues after making his Olympic bow last year in Paris, where he faced off against the eventual silver medalist and four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round—a match he will remember for years to come.
His historic achievements also include becoming the first ATP Challenger Tour champion from Lebanon last year in Temuco, Chile.
At just 26, Habib’s roots trace back to Houston, Texas, but his heart lies in Lebanon, where he learned tennis as a child. Returning to pursue his professional dreams in the U.S., he now embodies the resilience and spirit of the Lebanese people.
“Although it’s just a sport, I feel a deep connection to Lebanon and all the sacrifices made to reach this stage, reflecting our nation’s perseverance,” Habib expressed in an interview with Australia’s SBS News.
His achievements come at a time of significant turmoil amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
A tenuous ceasefire was established on November 27 after nearly 14 months of violence.
Since the conflict reignited on October 8, 2023—following a deadly attack by Hamas—Lebanon has experienced devastating casualties and widespread displacement, affecting over a million people.
“Each morning during those dark times, I’d reach out to my family and friends to ensure their safety,” Habib shared with SBS News. “It breaks my heart to witness the suffering of our people and our homeland.”
“Mentally, it was incredibly challenging to feel powerless, but I’m relieved that things seem to be settling down now. I hold onto the hope for lasting peace.”
As the 219th-ranked player, Habib now knows his first-round opponent will be 65th-ranked Bu Yunchaokete from China.
