Lebanese Tennis Player Benjamin Hassan Qualifies French Open Main Draw

Benjamin Hassan made history by becoming the first Lebanese tennis player in the Open era to qualify for the main draw of the French Open, securing his spot by winning three consecutive qualifying matches on Paris's clay courts. The 30-year-old, born in Germany and ranked 177th globally, defeated Japan's James Trotter in the final qualifying round and will face Italian Matteo Gigante in the tournament's first round. Hassan previously made headlines at the Paris Olympics as the first to represent Lebanon in tennis, winning his first-round match against American Christopher Eubanks, marking Lebanon's first Olympic tennis victory. His achievement marks the second major milestone for Lebanese tennis this year, following Hady Habib's first-round win at the Australian Open, Lebanon's first Grand Slam match victory. The Lebanese Tennis Federation has expressed pride and encouragement for Hassan, celebrating his groundbreaking accomplishments. These milestones are seen as significant steps forward for Lebanese tennis on the international stage.