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As Lebanese tennis experiences a historic turning point, Hady Habib is preparing to face a formidable opponent at the Australian Open. By taking on Ugo Humbert, one of the world’s best players, Habib finds himself at a crossroads, offering the world a glimpse of Lebanon’s untapped potential on the international stage.

After a historic victory in the first round of the Australian Open, Hady Habib is gearing up to take on a major challenge. Against Ugo Humbert, the no. 14 seed and a pillar of world tennis, Habib will be playing more than just a match on Wednesday, he will carry the hopes of a country in search of inspiring stories. Despite the huge gap in ranking and the experience of the Frenchman, Habib has proven he can exceed expectations. This high stakes duel will be an opportunity for the pioneer of Lebanese tennis to continue writing his legend.The match is scheduled for this Wednesday, starting at 4:50 AM (Beirut time).

A Pioneer with Diverse Roots

The son of an American-Iranian mother and a Lebanese father, Hady Habib was born in 1998 in Houston, United States, while the civil war was still raging in Lebanon. Although he could have represented the United States on the international stage thanks to his dual citizenship, the 26-year-old player has always been clear about his choice, stating, “Many people ask me why I chose to represent Lebanon, but for me, the decision was easy. No matter the challenges the country is going through, I am so proud to be Lebanese.”

Habib grew up between Houston and Beirut and discovered tennis at the age of 9. He spent part of his teenage years in the United States due to the war before pursuing his studies at Texas A&M University. There, he earned a degree in sports management while continuing to hone his game.

A Journey of Resilience

By defeating China’s Yunchaokete Bu (ranked 67^th in the world) in the first round, Habib made history by becoming the first Lebanese to win a match in a Grand Slam. This victory in three tight sets (7-6 [4], 6-4, 7-6 [6]) is not an isolated achievement, it reflects the steady rise of a player who has overcome numerous obstacles.

After several years languishing between the 400^th and 800^th places in the world rankings, Habib has steadily worked his way towards the Top 200 through hard work and consistent progress. In December 2024, he won his first Challenger tournament in Temuco, Chile, marking a turning point in his career. This title allowed him to reach his career-best ranking (219^th) and qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time.

A Major Challenge Against Humbert

Hady Habib’s path gets tougher with his next opponent: Ugo Humbert, ranked 14^th in the world and a regular on the big stage. Humbert is the no. 1 player in French tennis. It’s no small feat, and this match recalls Habib’s encounter with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a clear defeat (6-3, 6-1). However, this experience against a top 20 player allowed him to understand the level of rigor required to compete at the highest level.

Despite the gap in ranking and experience, Habib approaches this match with no complexes. “I try to stay focused on what I can control: my tactics, my calmness and my ability to stay in the present moment,” he says.

An Ambassador for Lebanese Tennis

Beyond his individual achievements, Hady Habib is a symbol of hope for Lebanon. In a country marked by economic and political crises, his success is a beacon of light. In Melbourne, he enjoys invaluable support from the Lebanese diaspora, which he warmly thanks, “Thank you to the Lebanese people for their support, here in Melbourne or elsewhere. It gives me incredible energy to keep fighting.”