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Hady Habib was happy to bring some good news to battle-scarred Lebanon after a historic victory at the Australian Open.
The 26-year-old’s 7-6 (4) 6-4 7-6 (6) win over China’s Bu Yunchaokete made him the first man representing the country to win a grand slam main draw match in the Open era.
“It’s a huge win,” said Habib, who won three matches in qualifying to reach the main draw.
“Especially what we’ve been going through as a country. I think to bring something positive, especially we’ve been having a rough time with obviously the war.
“We had our other issues in the past. It’s just nice to get this win for Lebanon and for the people.”
More than a million people in Lebanon were displaced following Israel’s invasion of the country in October after simmering hostilities for a year ignited by the war in Gaza. A ceasefire was agreed in late November but the future remains uncertain.
Habib is based in the United States but he has a Lebanese father and lived in the country between the ages of six and 12, beginning his tennis education in Lebanon.
“I still have a lot of friends back there,” he said.
“My parents currently live there. The support I’ve been getting these last couple days has been incredible. My phone has been absolutely blowing up.”
Australia’s Lebanese community, including Habib’s relatives from Sydney, came to Melbourne Park to cheer him on, creating a lively atmosphere around the small Court 13.
“It’s been a special time for me to have all the Lebanese people join in the community,” he said.
“I felt the energy out there. They definitely helped me get through that win tonight. The crowd was absolutely wild. It made it even more special to win in front of them.”
Habib will take on 14th seed Ugo Humbert in the second round on Wednesday.
