By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 11, 2025
“The group was completely wild, and it made it much more particular to win in entrance of them,” stated Hady Habib, who had simply gained his first match at a serious by defeating China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6, 6-4, 7-6.
The previous Texas A&M Aggie, who lived from ages six via 12 in Lebanon and discovered the game from his Lebanese father, didn’t take as a right what his triumph meant for the nation as a complete.
“It is an enormous win, particularly what we have been going via as a rustic. I believe to convey one thing optimistic, particularly we have been having a tough time with clearly the struggle. We had our different points up to now,” he stated. “Yeah, it is simply good to get this win for Lebanon and for the individuals.”
Habib was born in Houston, however has represented Lebanon since he was 15.
“My father is Lebanese,” he stated. “From the age of 6 till 12 I lived there and went to highschool there. I began to play tennis in Lebanon. I nonetheless have loads of pals again there. My dad and mom at present reside there.
“Yeah, I have been representing Lebanon since I used to be 15 years outdated after I performed my first Davis Cup match. Yeah, that is the story.”
The victory, which earns him $132,000, will assist him additional his personal skilled aspirations. Ranked 219 at first of the Australian Open, 26-year-old Habib is as much as 163 within the reside rankings. He hopes he can use Sunday’s win as a spark, and he needs the identical for his nation.
Habib gained his maiden challenger title in Temucu, Chile in December of 2024, then turned the primary participant from his nation to qualify for a Grand Slam predominant draw final week.
On Sunday he outdid himself but once more – Habib will face Ugo Humbert within the second spherical.
“That is the largest achievement I’ve had in my total profession,” he stated.
