Lebanon’s Hady Habib Makes History at Australian Open Qualifiers

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Hady Habib became the first Lebanese tennis player to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam, securing his spot in the Australian Open after a dramatic victory over France‘s Clement Chidekh. The 26-year-old triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(8) in the final qualifying round on Thursday, marking a historic moment for Lebanese tennis.

Habib, ranked 219th in the world, fought through three match points and two breaks of serve in the final set to clinch the win. “It means the world to me. It’s been one of my goals ever since starting to play tennis to play in the main draw of a Slam,” Habib said. “To be able to accomplish that is a huge achievement and a huge step in my career.”

Born in Houston, Texas, Habib moved to Lebanon at the age of six, where he developed his passion for tennis. Despite the sport’s limited popularity in Lebanon, Habib pursued his dream with the support of his family. “My dad always wanted me to be a professional player since I was a small kid,” he said. “It’s a huge achievement for us and for Lebanese tennis.”

Habib’s success comes amid challenging times for Lebanon, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. “Every morning, I was waking up during that challenging time, contacting all my family members, making sure they’re okay,” Habib shared. “My heart’s just shattered to see what’s happening to our country and people.”

Habib will face China‘s Bu Yunchaokete, ranked 65th, in the first round of the Australian Open. His journey has inspired the Lebanese community, particularly in Australia, where a large diaspora turned out to support him. “It was huge to get that win in front of them,” Habib said. “Hopefully, I can change the perception of tennis in Lebanon and inspire the younger generation.”

In other qualifying action, 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca continued his impressive form, defeating Argentina‘s Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-4, 6-1. Fonseca, the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, is one of three male teenagers to qualify for the main draw, the highest number since the 2015 US Open.