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3. Broken Dream, Intact Hope: Hady Habib's Epic Journey at the Australian Open

Hady Habib, the first Lebanese player to win in a Grand Slam, marked a turning point at the 2025 Australian Open by reaching the second round. Despite an elimination in three sets against Ugo Humbert, 14th in the world, the young player showed exemplary determination and earned the recognition of all Lebanese.

It’s over. After making millions of Lebanese dream and crystallizing their hopes, Hady Habib bowed out against Ugo Humbert on Wednesday in Melbourne.
The Australian adventure ends for the Lebanese player, eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open. After making history in the first round by becoming the first Lebanese to win a match in a Grand Slam, his journey came to an end against Frenchman Humbert, ranked 14^th worldwide and France’s Number 1 player. While France may not be the greatest tennis power, it remains among the best, and Humbert is a worthy representative.

A Defeat in Three Sets Under the Rain

Logic prevailed in Melbourne on Wednesday. Habib was defeated in three sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-4) against an experienced opponent. The match, delayed by a rain shower in the late afternoon, resumed quickly after a brief interruption in the first set. But Humbert, ultra-focused and impervious to the cheers of the Lebanese supporters in the stands, dominated the entire match.
Each set followed an almost identical script: Humbert broke Habib’s serve in the first game and then executed his game plan, sometimes irregularly, but sufficiently to control the Lebanese. Although the Frenchman was not always flawless, notably with a low first-serve percentage in the first set (44%), his experience and ability to manage key moments made the difference.
In a stadium largely supportive of him, Habib held his ground in several rallies, saved multiple break points, and drew energy from the crowd to stay in the match. But the Frenchman’s consistency ultimately prevailed.

‘An Enriching Experience’

When interviewed after his defeat, Habib chose to focus on the positives of his journey:
“Playing at this level is incredibly enriching. Of course, I’m disappointed not to have gone further, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved here. This motivates me even more for what’s next.”

Next Goal: The Davis Cup

Habib now shifts his attention to the Davis Cup. In February, he will be one of the pillars of the Lebanese team in the tie against Peru, where a victory could allow Lebanon to join World Group I.
Despite this defeat, the 2025 Australian Open will remain a turning point for Habib, whose journey has inspired a new generation of young Lebanese athletes.
Rarely has a name been so fitting. Thank you for making all Lebanese dream, Hady… Habibi.