Hadi Habib makes history as first Lebanese player to win a Grand Slam

Author: Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, January 11, 2025

Hady Habib, who just won his first Grand Slam match with a 7-6, 6-4, 7 victory over China's Buyun Chao Ket, said: “The crowd was very crazy and it was so exciting to win in front of them. More special.

The former Texas A&M Aggie, who lived in Lebanon from age 6 to 12 and learned the game from his Lebanese father, doesn't take for granted what his victory means to the entire country.

“It's a huge victory, especially with what we're going through as a country. I think it's important to bring something positive, especially since we had a tough time in the war. We've had other situations in the past. problem,” he said. “Yes, it's great to win this for Lebanon and the people.”

Khabib was born in Houston but has represented Lebanon since he was 15 years old.

“My father is Lebanese,” he said. “I lived and went to school there from the age of 6 to 12. I started playing tennis in Lebanon. I still have a lot of friends there. My parents currently live there.

“Yes, I have been playing for Lebanon since my first Davis Cup match when I was 15. Yes, that's the story.
The win netted him $132,000, which will help him further his professional ambitions. The 26-year-old Khabib was ranked 219th at the start of the Australian Open and is currently ranked 163rd. He hopes he can use Sunday's victory as a spark, and he hopes his country can do the same.

Khabib won his first Challenger title in Temucu, Chile, in December 2024 and then last week became the first domestic player to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw.

On Sunday, he outdid himself again – Khabib will face Ugo Humbert in the second round.

“This is the greatest achievement of my entire career,” he said.