- 16:35
Mission accomplished for the national tennis team. In Cairo, Lebanon outclassed Barbados (4-0) and secured its ticket for the next qualifying round toward World Group I. After a perfect first day, the Lebanese players finished the job on Saturday, confirming their status as favorites and opening a new chapter for Lebanese tennis.
On the clay courts of the Palm Hills Sports Club, Lebanon turned its clear Friday lead into a resounding victory on the second day. The doubles match, entrusted to Hassan Ibrahim and Fadi Bidan, perfectly set the tone for the day: a straight-sets victory (6-2, 6-3) against Haydn Lewis and Darian King, which sealed qualification (3-0).
For honor’s sake, the fourth match also went Lebanon’s way. Fadi Bidan (world no. 1202) defeated Stephen Slocombe (no. 1801) in straight sets (6-2, 6-3), sealing the tie with a commanding score of 4-0.
Hassan and Habib Opened the Path
The day before, Benjamin Hassan (world no. 196) had won a true battle against Darian King (no. 2114) in three tense sets (7-6, 1-6, 7-6), before Hadi Habib (no. 171) prevailed over Kaipo Marshall (6-1, 6-3). Two foundational wins that placed Lebanon in an ideal position.
The Satisfaction of Alain Sayegh
In the Egyptian stands, alongside federation member Raymond Kettoura, the President of the Lebanese Tennis Federation, Alain Sayegh, expressed his pride:
“Congratulations for this clear victory over Barbados and for sealing the tie in our favor. My thoughts go to the entire Lebanese delegation and the players, led by national coach Fadi Youssef, as well as to the whole tennis family in Lebanon.
We achieved this success far from our country, in Egypt, which we chose as our host venue after the International Federation refused to hold the tie in Lebanon, given the circumstances.
We now await to know the identity of our next opponent in the qualifying playoff for World Group I. Our dearest wish is to be able to play this tie at home.
I want to thank everyone who supported and encouraged us. The Lebanese team demonstrated a remarkable level, and Lebanese tennis continues to rise. More than ever, it is thriving.”
These words reflect not only the pride of a decisive qualification, but also the frustration of a forced exile and the ambition to quickly reach the exclusive circle of the world’s elite.
Onward to World Group I
Thanks to this commanding victory, Lebanon (world no. 52) will play the next qualifying playoff that will decide its entry into the prestigious World Group I. The draw will reveal the opponent’s identity, but one certainty remains: with the confidence gained and the talent of its leaders, the Cedars have all the cards in hand to reach a historic milestone.
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