Young Lebanese tennis player Hady Habib qualifies for the Australian Open qualifiers.

Young Lebanese tennis player Hady Habib qualifies for the Australian Open qualifiers.
27/12/2024
Middle East Times Int’l: Hady Habib, the young Lebanese tennis player, continues his international brilliance! He has become the first Lebanese player to win an ATP Challenger title and qualify for the Australian Open qualifiers. Currently ranked 210th in the world, and aiming to reach the number one spot, Hady’s determination is truly inspiring.
In our beloved country Lebanon, which faces many challenges, Hady’s success is a ray of hope, reminding us all of the strength and resilience of the Lebanese people. His career makes Lebanon and Lebanese around the world proud.
As Hady heads to Canberra International on December 29, 2024, we, as Lebanese, will be behind him with all our might. We will be cheering him on every step of the way, and we trust that he will continue to shine in Canberra and Melbourne.
During Hady’s time in Canberra, the Middle East Times International met him and conducted an interesting interview with him, during which he expressed his pride in representing Lebanon, considering it an incredible experience, and his victory in his last tournament was particularly special because it helped him qualify for the Australian Open. Here are the details of the interview:
MET. First of all, welcome to Australia. We are proud of you. Reflecting on 2024 achievements: You’ve had a remarkable year, becoming the first Lebanese player to compete in the Olympics and winning your first ATP Challenger title. How have these milestones influenced your confidence and approach as you head into the Canberra International and the Australian Open?
Habib. This has been by far one of my best years. Competing at the Olympics while representing Lebanon was an incredible experience, and winning my last tournament was particularly special as it helped me qualify for the Australian Open. These achievements have given me a lot of confidence heading into these events and have proven that all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it.
MET. Preparation strategies: Can you share insights into your training regimen leading to these tournaments? Have you made any specific adjustments to adapt to the Australian summer conditions?
Habib. In terms of preparation, I arrived in Canberra a week early to get acclimated and use this event as a great opportunity to play some matches before competing at the Australian Open. Prior to that, I had a training block with my team in Argentina, focusing heavily on my fitness and, of course, my tennis with my coach, Patricio Heras.

MET. Representing Lebanon: Competing on such prominent stages brings significant attention. How do you manage the pressure of representing Lebanon, especially considering your country’s current challenges?

Habib. Lebanon fills me with pride and joy. I believe that pressure is a privilege. I’m deeply grateful to compete at this level, and it’s the result of my hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance—never giving up along the way. Given the current situation, I’m even more motivated to push myself further and show the strength of Lebanon, always coming back stronger.
MET. Support from the Lebanese community: With a substantial Lebanese community in Australia, do you anticipate their presence at your matches? How does the support from the Diaspora impact your performance and morale?
Habib. Having the Lebanese crowd present fuels me to perform at my absolute best. The energy they bring is incredible and gives me even more motivation to fight harder. Knowing how big the Lebanese community is in Australia has made me even more excited to compete here.
MET.Goals for the Australian Open: What objectives have you set for yourself in the upcoming Grand Slam? Are there particular players you aim to challenge or specific rounds you aspire to reach?
Habib. This will be my first Grand Slam, so everything will be a new and exciting experience for me. One of my main goals is to qualify for the main draw, which would be an incredible achievement.
MET. Long-term aspirations: Beyond these tournaments, what are your goals for the 2025 season? How do you build upon this year’s successes to further elevate your career?
Habib. My goals for 2025 include participating in all the Grand Slams and qualifying for the main draws. My accomplishments this year have shown me that I’m headed in the right direction. A long-term goal of mine is to break into the top 100 rankings, which would be a significant milestone in my career.
MET. Inspiration for Lebanese youth: Your journey serves as an inspiration for many young athletes in Lebanon. What message would you like to convey to them, especially those aspiring to pursue professional sports amidst challenging circumstances?
Habib. My message to the Lebanese youth is to never let your surroundings define your potential. Dream big, work relentlessly, and believe in yourself. If you want something deeply enough, you will find a way to achieve it.
MET. Is there anything else you want to tell readers of the Middle East Times?
Habib. I’m deeply grateful for the support of the Lebanese community. Representing Lebanon is an honor, and I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams and show the world our resilience and strength. Thank you for believing in me.