Hady Habib Makes History at the Australian Open

• Hady Habib becomes the first Lebanese player to win a men’s singles match at a Grand Slam in the professional era.
• He defeated China’s Bu Yunchaokete in straight sets: 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6).
• The victory took place at the Australian Open, where Habib was celebrated by a passionate crowd at Melbourne Park.
• This achievement comes during a turbulent time for Lebanon, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after 14 months of conflict.
• Habib, born in Texas, moved to Lebanon at age six and later returned to the U.S. to further his tennis career.
• He represented Lebanon in the Paris Olympics and became the first Lebanese to win an ATP Challenger Tour event in Chile last year.

Hady Habib, the world number 219, made history on Sunday at the Australian Open, defeating China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) to reach the second round. His victory marked a groundbreaking achievement as he became the first Lebanese player to win a men’s singles match at a Grand Slam in the professional era. The passionate crowd at Melbourne Park’s Court 13 cheered him on as he celebrated with a raised racket and a Lebanese flag, soaking in the moment of triumph.

This victory is particularly significant given the current geopolitical tensions in Lebanon, where a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in place since November after nearly 14 months of conflict. Habib, who moved back to Lebanon with his family at the age of six before returning to the U.S. to further his tennis career, has become a beacon of hope for his nation. Last year, he made history by becoming the first Lebanese player to win a tournament on the second-tier ATP Challenger Tour in Chile and represented Lebanon in the Paris Olympics.