Hady Habib, the story behind Carlos Alcaraz's first opponent in Paris 2024

Mónica Barberán Munera | 26 Jul 2024 | 13.00

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Carlos Alcaraz knows the name of his first opponent in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but does he also know the curious story behind it? Fate or chance has led the Spaniard to face Hady Habib, a Lebanese player currently outside the top 200 who only found out about his participation in the Olympic event just over a month ago. Initially set to compete only in doubles, Habib ended up being able to face Carlos Alcaraz in this major event, all thanks to Hubert Hurkacz. What's his story?

“It took me by surprise. I was super happy and proud to be able to say that I am an Olympic athlete. It's truly a dream come true," said the Lebanese in an interview for The National. As we mentioned, Hady had no idea he would be competing in Paris until he received an email from the Lebanese Tennis Federation breaking the great news to him. He was completely unaware, but his presence at the Olympic Games came about through an invitation from the ITF to fill one of the universal slots reserved for underrepresented countries.

This invitation was to play doubles alongside his compatriot Benjamin Hassan, as at that time he didn't know what life had in store for him. Hubert Hurkacz played a crucial role by withdrawing from the event a few days before it started due to a knee injury, leaving his place open. And who was the first alternate? Yes, Habib was the fortunate one who ended up taking Hurkacz's spot in the doubles draw and who will face Carlos Alcaraz.

His first words after finding out he will face the Spaniard

Now, the 24-year-old Lebanese player, who mainly competes in ITF and Challenger tournaments, is not accustomed to playing in such major tournaments or on spectacular stages like the Philippe Chatrier or the Suzanne-Lenglen courts at Roland Garros. Moreover, facing the world number 3 will be a significant step for him. What does he think of the Spaniard? Will he rise to the challenge? “I've never been at this stage or in the same tournament as all these players. It's exciting and a bit stressful, but it's a good stress because you're ready to play, and it's an incredible feeling. I love watching tennis, and I've seen some of his matches, and I know how amazing he can play. It will be amazing to play against him," he said.

Thus, this 24-year-old Lebanese player is “ready to give it his all," even though this will be his first time playing against a top 80 player. He has never set foot in Roland Garros before, which is something he finds hard to believe. “It's been amazing. Being in the same facilities as all these great players, basically the legends of the sport. I was doing my workout, entered the gym on the first day, and see Djokovic, Nadal, Murray... all these legends walking around. It was an incredible, surreal experience," said the Lebanese player, who also aims to inspire all young tennis players in his country.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hady Habib, la historia detrás del primer rival de Carlos Alcaraz en París 2024