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The Lebanese rackets take the court this Friday, September 12, against Barbados, in a crucial clash in World Group II of the Davis Cup. The goal: win and keep dreaming of World Group I.
The stage is set: Friday at 12:30 PM (Beirut time), on the clay courts of Palm Hills Sports Club in Cairo, Lebanon will begin its showdown with Barbados. On the schedule for this opening day are two singles matches: Benjamin Hassan (ranked 196) will open against Darian King (ranked 2114), before Hadi Habib (171) faces Kaipo Marshall, an unranked but notoriously combative player.
On Saturday, the tie will resume at 10:30 AM with the doubles, followed by two final singles matches if necessary to decide the winner. As per the rules, three wins out of five matches are needed to clinch the tie.
A Bitter Reminder, a Shot at Redemption
Last February, Lebanon fell to Peru (0-3), missing the chance to break into World Group I. It was a painful defeat but also a learning experience that captain Fadi Youssef, a former international, and his players now want to transform into motivation for this new campaign.
An Ambitious Team
Currently ranked 52nd in the world, Lebanon is counting on its two spearheads, Habib and Hassan, backed by Fadi Bidan (1202) and Hassan Ibrahim (unranked). “Our objective is clear: get through this stage and move closer to World Group I, where Lebanon truly belongs,” said Alain Sayegh, president of the Lebanese Tennis Federation, who is accompanying the delegation in Cairo.
Barbados, ranked 55th, arrives with a less experienced but tightly-knit squad led by captain Damien Applewhaite and including Stephen Slocombe (1801), King, Marshall, Xavier Lawrence and Haydn Lewis.
Cairo, the Stage for a Decisive Battle
Beyond the rankings and predictions, the showdown promises to be intense. Lebanon will have to rely on the solidity of its leaders and the psychological edge of a stronger lineup to aim for victory. A win would open the door to the World Group I play-offs, a step into the elite circle.
The scene is set: two days of tension, fierce rallies and burning shots. And at stake, more than just a win: a chance to bring Lebanon closer to its global dream.
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