Lebanon's Hassan Makes History with Win Over Eubanks

Jul 28, 2024; Paris, France; Christopher Eubanks (USA) hits the ball against Benjamin Hassan (LBN) in the men’s tennis singles first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports Purchase Licensing Rights
Jul 28, 2024; Paris, France; Christopher Eubanks (USA) hits the ball against Benjamin Hassan (LBN) in the men’s tennis singles first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports Purchase Licensing Rights
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Lebanon's Hassan Makes History with Win Over Eubanks

Jul 28, 2024; Paris, France; Christopher Eubanks (USA) hits the ball against Benjamin Hassan (LBN) in the men’s tennis singles first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports Purchase Licensing Rights
Jul 28, 2024; Paris, France; Christopher Eubanks (USA) hits the ball against Benjamin Hassan (LBN) in the men’s tennis singles first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports Purchase Licensing Rights

Benjamin Hassan secured a landmark victory on Sunday as he became the first Lebanon player to win a match in an Olympic tennis event, stunning American Christopher Eubanks.

Germany-born Hassan, ranked 170th in the world, won 6-4 6-2 for one of the best victories of his career to fully vindicate being handed a Universality place by the ITF.

"I am unbelievably happy. We just enjoy it from the whole team. We are really 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."

According to Reuters, Hassan did not even set about becoming a professional until the age of 22, having previously played just for fun. But now he is living the dream as an Olympian and has a second-round clash against Argentina's Sebastian Baez to look forward to.

He has thrown himself into life in the athletes village, amassing quite a collection of pins. "I think the most special one is Japan because I'm a huge fan of Japan. I like watching a lot of animated mangas," he said.

Hassan was not the only Lebanon player in the draw as Hady Habib lost to French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday.

Hassan and Habib also lost in the doubles on Sunday.



Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina Advance to Doha Open Quarterfinals

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the US in action during her third round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic REUTERS/Edgar Su
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the US in action during her third round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic REUTERS/Edgar Su
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Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina Advance to Doha Open Quarterfinals

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the US in action during her third round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic REUTERS/Edgar Su
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the US in action during her third round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic REUTERS/Edgar Su

Sixth-seed Jessica Pegula advanced on Wednesday to the quarterfinals of the Doha Open with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Daria Kasatkina, The Associated Press reported.
The American will next face Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2, for a spot in the last four. Alexandrova, who is ranked 26th, had defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on Tuesday, AP said.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, the No. 4 seed, was eliminated by Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-2. The Latvian will next play either Ons Jabeur or Sofia Kenin.
The seventh-ranked Elena Rybakina advanced by beating Rebecca Sramkova 7-6 (1), 6-2 and awaits either defending champion Iga Swiatek or Linda Noskova.
On Tuesday, Coco Gauff was eliminated by Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 7-5. The Ukrainian will next face Poland's Magda Linette.