PARIS — Benjamin Hassan made historical past Friday by changing into the primary Lebanese tennis participant within the Open period to qualify for the principle draw of the French Open.
The 30-year-old defeated Japan’s James Trotter 6-2, 7-6 (5) within the ultimate spherical of qualifying.
The German-born Hassan secured his place at Roland-Garros by successful three straight matches within the qualifying event on the clay courts of Paris.
Ranked No. 177 on the earth, Hassan isn’t any stranger to breaking new floor for Lebanese tennis.
Final summer time, on the Paris Olympics, which additionally passed off on the clay courts of Roland-Garros, Hassan turned the primary participant to characterize Lebanon. He defeated American Christopher Eubanks within the first spherical, claiming the primary win within the historical past of the competitors for his nation.
His qualification is the second main milestone for Lebanese tennis this 12 months.
In January, Hady Habib, who’s at present ranked 159th, received a first-round match on the Australian Open for the nation’s first Grand Slam match victory.
Following Hassan’s win Friday, the Lebanese Tennis Federation congratulated him in a message on Fb.
“The journey continues,” stated the federation. “Hold making Lebanon proud.”
Within the first spherical of the French Open, which begins Sunday, Hassan is scheduled to face Italian Matteo Gigante, one other participant who additionally got here by means of the qualifying spherical.