The Story of Hady Habib

From Childhood Courts to Global Dreams

Born in Houston, Texas, to Lebanese parents, Hady Habib discovered tennis at an early age. While his peers spent weekends on playgrounds, Hady was perfecting his backhand on neighborhood courts. The discipline, consistency, and patience he learned as a child would later become the pillars of his professional career.

Choosing to Represent Lebanon

Despite being born and raised in the U.S., Hady made a life-defining choice — to represent Lebanon on the international stage. It wasn’t the easiest path. Lebanon lacked the infrastructure, funding, and global presence in tennis, but Hady saw the decision as an opportunity to inspire a nation and open doors for future Lebanese athletes.

Making History at the Australian Open

In January 2025, Hady etched his name in the history books. Not only did he become the first Lebanese man in the Open Era to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw, but he also went on to achieve Lebanon’s first-ever singles match victory at a Grand Slam, defeating China’s Bu Yunchaokete in straight sets. The triumph resonated deeply with fans back home, many of whom stayed up through the night to watch him play.

A Proud Olympian

Hady carried Lebanon’s flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics, stepping onto the world’s biggest sporting stage with pride. While medals are the dream, simply competing at that level was a monumental statement — that Lebanese athletes belong among the elite.

Overcoming the Odds

Hady’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles — from balancing rigorous travel schedules to training without the same level of resources as players from tennis powerhouses. Yet, every challenge has fueled his drive to push harder, train longer, and prove that determination can close the gap where funding cannot.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For young Lebanese players, Hady is more than a sportsman; he’s a role model. He’s shown that even from a small nation, with enough perseverance, the world’s courts are within reach. Tennis academies in Lebanon are already reporting an uptick in interest from children who now see Hady as proof that their dreams are possible.

The legacy in motion

From Melbourne to Beirut, Hady Habib’s story is still being written. His career is a reminder that victories aren’t only measured in trophies — sometimes, they’re measured in the hearts you inspire.