Lebanese qualifier Hady Habib has gone through most of his life as a largely unknown tennis player.
But all that changed on Sunday when he stepped onto court 13 at Melbourne Park in front of a boisterous bunch of Lebanese fans, and claimed a straight sets victory over China’s Yunchaokete Bu.
The world number 219 became Lebanon’s first player to win a men’s singles main draw match of a grand slam.
Lebanon’s Hady Habib during the first round.Credit: AP
For a nation ravaged by war, Habib’s victory was a rare moment of inspiration and pride for its people.
“It’s a huge win, especially [with] what we’ve been going through as a country,” Habib said.
“I think to bring something positive, especially [when] we’ve been having a rough time with obviously the war. We had our other issues in the past. It’s just nice to get this win for Lebanon and for the people.”
There were six hours of rain delays between the start and finish of Habib’s match as wild weather lashed Melbourne, but despite that, hundreds of Lebanese fans remained with their flags, greeting him like a king as they chanted “Habi, Habi, Habi” on match point.
It’s a reception Habib has never received before.
“This is probably one of the best days of my career honestly,” he said. “It’s such an incredible feeling to get this win not only for myself but for Lebanon and Lebanese tennis.
“As you guys could see there, the crowd was absolutely wild. It made it even more special to win in front of them.”
The reaction in Melbourne, but also back in Lebanon where his parents live, has been unbelievable, says Habib.
“The support I’ve been getting these last couple days has been incredible,” he said. “My phone has been absolutely blowing up. Just all my family back home. I actually have some family from Sydney that came out to watch.
“It’s been a special time for me to have all the Lebanese people join in the community. I felt the energy out there. They definitely helped me get through that win tonight.”
Habib was born in Texas, but lived in Lebanon from age six to 12, which is where he started playing tennis.
Originally, an American representative, Habib changed his allegiance to Lebanon when he was 15, and said the sport had a lot of room for growth there.
“I wouldn’t say it’s at its best right now. Hopefully, things will change. I hope that my win today or yesterday would make that change.”
Habib will face world No. 14 Ugo Humbert in the second round, where it’s likely he’ll be upgraded to a bigger court.
“Hopefully, there’s going to be a larger audience to watch me play my next match,” Habib said.
“I think it would be better if I played on a bigger court so that more Lebanese people can come out and watch me.”
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