DUBAI: Hady Habib admitted his historic run at the Australian Open feels like a dream from which he would rather not wake as he stormed into the second round on Sunday in front of a roaring Lebanese crowd.

Making his major debut this fortnight in Melbourne, Habib became the first Lebanese player in Open Era history to qualify for a singles main draw when he came through a tight three-setter, saving match points en route, to defeat France’s Clement Chidekh last Thursday.

Three days later, Habib further etched his name in the history books by upsetting China’s Bu Yunchaokete — who is ranked more than 150 places higher than Habib — 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) to reach the Australian Open second round and become the first Lebanese to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open Era.

One of the biggest goals Habib had set for himself entering 2025 was to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam event. He managed to check that target from his bucket list, and even surpass it, less than two weeks into the new tennis season.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” the Texas-born Lebanese told Arab News after his first-round triumph.

“I achieved my first goal, which was to qualify, and now I’m in the second round. It just feels like I need to wake up from a dream. Everything’s been happening so fast. And then I’m in Round 2 of the Aussie Open, and I just can’t believe it right now, I’m lost for words.”

Habib had cousins fly over from Sydney to attend his matches in Melbourne, and the stands on Court 13 on Sunday were packed with his supporters, given the large Lebanese diaspora in Australia.

“I'm so grateful for their support. I think the Lebanese community, I sort of brought everyone together, and it was really special to win in front of them. Every time I’m playing, there’s a larger and larger crowd. So yeah, it’s just been amazing,” the 26-year-old said.

The support Habib has received has not come just from the stands. With five Arab players competing in women’s singles, men’s singles and men’s doubles at the Australian Open this fortnight, support is also coming from the locker room.

Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif are representing the region on the women’s side in singles, while Tunisians Aziz Dougaz and Skander Mansouri are competing in singles and doubles, respectively.

“When I won my last match, since it was a very close one, all the players were watching in the locker room. And I walked by Ons, and she congratulated me, and I was extremely happy just to see a fellow Arab player acknowledging my win, it just means the world,” Habib said.

“Especially what she’s done for Tunisian tennis, and the Arab world in general, it’s amazing to get congratulations from her. And also seeing Aziz do well. I think he’s playing tomorrow (against Yoshihito Nishioka). I really hope he gets the win as well.

“It’s good for Arab tennis and Arab sports in general. And I hope they can do great things this week.”

Habib has produced a series of clutch performances in the past three months, clinching a maiden Challenger title, a Grand Slam debut, a first Grand Slam victory, and a new career-high ranking of at least 163 in the world.

In his final round of Australian Open qualifying against Chidekh, he saved three match points to force a decider in the third set before he secured the win and a place in the main draw.

“I think winning matches only gives you confidence, and I know when it comes to clutch moments that I’ve put in the work,” he said.

“I would like to say that I’m an extremely hard worker, and I try to do the right things every day. So when it comes to clutch moments, I just trust in myself, and the training that I’ve put in and the preparation. That’s what gives me the trust to play like that on these important points.”

Up next for Habib in Melbourne is French world No.14 Ugo Humbert.

“I actually played him once before in a Challenger in 2022. I lost in straight sets. But let’s see,” Habib said of the French lefty.

“I think he is at his best ranking right now. I want to go out there and do what I've been doing the last couple matches, just play my game and just do my best.”

Arabs at the 2025 Australian Open

Monday

First round: Aziz Dougaz v Yoshihito Nishioka

Tuesday

First round: Ons Jabeur v Anhelina Kalinina, Mayar Sherif v Dayana Yastremska

Wednesday

Second round: Hady Habib v Ugo Humbert

TBD

Doubles first round: Skander Mansouri/Ivan Dodig v Blake Ellis/Thomas Fancutt

RIYADH: The Saudi Polo Federation on Saturday announced the six teams to participate in the 2025 Richard Mille Desert Polo Championship, which will take place on Jan. 17-18 in AlUla.

The teams are AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah. They will compete in the fourth edition of the championship, which is being organized in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.

A media statement said Pierro Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, will attend the competition.

The matches will be held at the Village of Knights, featuring top international players, led by Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of polo.

Saudi rider Prince Sultan bin Khaled Al-Faisal, alongside Prince Abbas bin Ali and Prince Hamza bin Abbas from Jordan will participate in the tournament.

The contenders will be divided into two groups; AlUla, Dadan and Ikmah in Group 1, while Group 2 comprises Bentley, Budget and Richard Mille.

Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, Amr Zidan, confirmed the readiness of the Village of Knights to host the event, promising strong competition and highlighting the continued development and growing popularity of the sport in Saudi Arabia.

“This fourth edition of the championship has witnessed significant improvements, alongside accompanying events and entertainment activities for spectators,” Zidan said.