Paris: In a stunning upset, Lebanon’s Benjamin Hassan defeated American Christopher Eubanks in straight sets,6-4, 6-2, becoming the first Lebanese player to ever win a match in an Olympic tennis event.
Germany-born Hassan ranked a modest 170th in the world and was awarded a Universality place by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). His victory was a testament to his talent and determination, as he overcame a higher-ranked opponent to claim a monumental win.
From hobbyist to Olympian
Having only turned professional at the age of 22, Hassan’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric. His victory has not only brought pride to Lebanon but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes everywhere.
“I am unbelievably happy. We just enjoy it from the whole team. We are proud and I'm also proud of myself,” the 29-year-old told reporters.
“It was an unbelievable atmosphere. I was just trying to be calm because I didn’t want to waste too much energy. When I won I could let it all out.”
A Day for Lebanon
While Hassan’s singles triumph stole the spotlight, it was a bittersweet day for Lebanese tennis. His compatriot, Hady Habib, suffered a defeat against reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz. The duo also fell short in the doubles competition.
Despite the mixed results, Hassan’s historic win will undoubtedly be remembered as a golden moment for Lebanese sports. As he advances to the second round, facing Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, the nation will be eagerly following his progress.