Melbourne Park’s Court 13 was stormed by a group of rowdy spectators who were easily identified as they waved the Lebanese flag. Not so long ago they never thought they would experience a day like this on a relevant stage of world tennis.
But they encouraged their new hero, Hadi Habib26 years old and world number 219. He was born in the city of Houston in America, but at the age of 6 he went to his family’s country, Lebanon, where he picked up his first rackets. Seeing a certain future in sports, he returned to the United States, where he completed his tennis and academic training.
In a more relaxed atmosphere than a Lebanon located in a hot zone, which is constantly exposed to the conflict of war. The fall of 2023 is once again the focus of the rivalry. “It breaks my heart to see what is happening to our country and our people. It’s been a tough time mentally for me, I know there’s nothing you can do to help, but I’m glad things are calm -thing now. I hope we can find some peace,” he explained to Australia’s SBS News.
He put Lebanon on the tennis map by becoming the first player from his country to win a Grand Slam match. By passing the previous stage, he became the first representative since his countryman Karim Fawaz in the 1962 US Open, but he went further by losing to the Chinese in the first round Yunchaokete Buworld no. 67, 7-6 (4), 6-4 and 7-6 (6) in 2h.31′.
“I know it’s just sport, but I feel like I’m representing Lebanon and everything I had to sacrifice to get here is like how our country fought,” Habib said.
He became a hero a few months ago, albeit by accident. He entered the Olympic Games in Paris due to quotas, he was matched with a draw Carlos Alcarazone of the great stars of the event.
The Murcian won, on the clay of the Suzanne Lenglen Court at Roland Garros, 6-3 and 6-1. But for Habib it was a milestone, also a push to grow as a tennis player.
He ended 2024 by winning the Temuco Challenger tournament, in Chile. He starts making history, regardless of what happens in the second round in Australia, against the French Ugo Humbert (14th) or Italian Matteo Gigante (145º).
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
