For more than a decade, Tunisian Malek Jaziri and Egyptian Mohamed Safwat have been the leading Arab players on the men’s tennis tour, but a new protagonist has emerged from the region, looking to make his way to the top of the sport.
Lebanon’s Hady Habib only kickstarted his professional career in earnest mid-last year, after graduating from Texas A&M University in May. In his final months as an 'Aggie', Habib was the No 1-ranked college tennis player in the United States – a fitting way to close the door on one chapter of his career before starting a new one in the pros.
Since graduation, the 23-year-old Habib has picked up four ITF titles, including one at a $25k-level tournament in Sharm El Sheikh, where he defeated in the final former top-30 player Lukas Rosol, who famously beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2012.
“It gives you incredible belief,” Habib told The National after clinching the trophy last Sunday. “I actually watched him a few years back play against Rafa and beat him on TV, and it's just a pleasure to play him. And winning is huge.
“His level obviously isn't at his prime right now. But still, he knows how to play and he's got experience, so it's definitely a huge win for me, giving me some good confidence for the rest of the year.”
Habib was born in Houston, Texas before moving to Lebanon with his family at the age of six. He got introduced to tennis at Mtayleb Country Club in Beirut when he was nine after dabbling in swimming and basketball.
“I just started playing tennis and I got good at it really fast,” Habib said. “I was really enjoy playing so I gave it a shot and I kept playing and that eventually turned into true love for the sport.
“My parents actually told me, ‘Is this what you want to do? Is tennis your thing?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, 100 per cent this one I want to do’ and that's why we decided to move out of Lebanon.”
After eight years in Lebanon, Habib returned to the US, first training in California before heading to Nick Bollettieri’s IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
As a 16-year-old, he was ranked as high as No 77 in the world junior rankings, which helped him catch the eye of college recruiters. He eventually landed a scholarship in his home state and began his college tennis career at Texas A&M while pursuing a degree in sports management.
In 2018, Habib felt like he was ready to take the leap to the pros and left university, only to return a year later, keen to finish what he had started.
You have to be disciplined on your own and take care of yourself, do all the right things like recover and rest well. Stay in contact with your family so you don't burn out mentally
Hady Habib on adjusting to life on the professional tennis circuit
“I was travelling alone and just honestly I got a little burnt out," he said. "I felt like I needed some more guidance and a little more time to develop my game. I wanted to also get a degree because that's also been one of my goals, to graduate with a bachelor's degree.”
In the past, opting for college instead of turning professional straight out of high school was considered an unnecessary detour, or even a premature end to a tennis career. But nowadays, more players have taken the college tennis route and are enjoying great success on the professional circuit, most recently UVA grad Danielle Collins, who made the Australian Open final last month.
“The college tennis level now is really good and you see a lot of guys on tour that have played college tennis like (British world No 13) Cameron Norrie," Habib said. "Another good friend of mine is in the top 50, Arthur Rinderknech, he was on my team and he's doing really well right now. So it just shows the level is getting better.”
Reaching the summit of the ITA collegiate tennis rankings last March was a nice bonus before graduation for Habib, who grew up admiring Roger Federer and Nadal, and more recently has become a big fan of Dominic Thiem’s explosive game.
“I was the best player in the nation in the NCAA. I was really honoured because it was the first time someone in our programme at Texas A&M was ranked No 1 so it was special for me and A&M,” he said.
“Playing college tennis, you’re playing for a team and there's obviously more pressure. I got to play under the eyes of Steve Denton, who was also a former top 20 player, and he helped me a lot. Also, playing matches with the crowds and a lot of pressure, I feel like that helped me deal with different scenarios, deal with adversity better on court and figure things out on my own.”
Habib’s life now, grinding on the ITF tour, is far removed from his time at A&M, where he had teammates, coaches, physios, and everything else he needed at his disposal.
“It’s been different; in college you get all the resources, from physios and trainers and coaches. Every time you're playing, there's a big crowd watching, so it's more exciting playing in college,” he said.
“But I enjoy playing on tour as well. It's been fun, I’m even enjoying the struggles of it; I’ve been pushing hard. At the start it wasn't easy with travelling alone, but I've got used to it. I've been developing a routine and keeping track of my progress along the way and I feel like that's paying off."
Habib, who is on the brink of breaking the top 500, knows that travelling alone and clawing his way through the ITF circuit is a necessary stepping stone and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to reach his goals. He also seems to have a good formula to stay mentally fresh and deal with the challenges he is facing during this phase of his career.
“You have to be disciplined on your own and take care of yourself, do all the right things like recover and rest well between matches. Stay in contact with your family so you don't burn out mentally,” he said.
“It's not easy playing the same events at the same place weeks in a row. But the ITFs are the step to playing the Challengers then eventually the ATP. Every player has to go through the same things that I go through, it is what it is.”
While he’s already captured four ITF titles in the last few months, Habib’s favourite moment came outside of the tour, when he was crowned champion at the Arab Elite tournament in Kuwait last December.
The best Arab tennis players in the region were invited to compete in a tournament, hosted at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait. Habib blasted through the draw and defeated former world No 42 Jaziri in the final in front of a buoyant crowd, announcing himself to the stage in emphatic fashion. He received the trophy from Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, who is the first ever Arab player to be ranked inside the top 10 of the world rankings.
“That week was really special to me,” he said. “It was one of my favourite weeks. One of my favourite tournaments I've played, just the way the tournament was set up, the atmosphere, the venue, the Rafa Nadal academy.
“Especially playing for Lebanon, which has been going through some tough times recently, to be able to get the win for the country and bring some positive vibes to the people and just some good news for once, was really special.
“There were so many Lebanese fans that came out and watched me and were supporting and after the match they all wanted to congratulate me and tell me how proud they were of me. It was a really special moment for me.”
Habib said he was “honoured” to receive the trophy from Jabeur and is inspired of her achievements on the WTA Tour.
“I think I can definitely take a lot of motivation from that," he added. "And especially, whatever conditions or whatever she had growing up she's managed to overcome them. I don’t know how much help she got in Tunisia but just the fact that she's top 10 - it's just huge and inspirational.”
Habib is well aware of the struggles Arab players had to go through to make it on tour and he draws motivation from those who came before him, including Egyptian veteran Safwat, whom he recently met in Cairo.
“I hit with Safwat once and he’s given me some valuable advice," he said. "He's such a great guy. He’s also another inspiration to look up to, his dedication, especially with his recent issues, not being able to travel because of the visa situation in Egypt. He’s staying positive and he just keeps working hard which is motivating for me."
Habib’s main goal for the season is to get his ranking high enough to make it regularly into the main draws of Challenger events. He has requested a wildcard for this month’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he hopes to make his ATP tournament debut.
Whether he is extended invitations into the bigger tournaments in the region or not, Habib is willing to pay his dues.
“Whatever it takes, I’m on the right path," he said. "I just need to keep focusing on my tennis and my daily progress, stuff that I can control. I think everything else will come eventually."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. What are the influencer academy modules?
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
HEADLINE HERE
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UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
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- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
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PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
Afcon 2019
SEMI-FINALS
Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm
Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm
Matches are live on BeIN Sports
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
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The years Ramadan fell in May
History's medical milestones
1799 - First small pox vaccine administered
1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery
1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases
1895 - Discovery of x-rays
1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time
1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
1953 - Structure of DNA discovered
1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place
1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill
1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.
1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Top goalscorers in Europe
34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)
34 - Ciro Immobile (68)
31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)
28 - Timo Werner (56)
25 - Lionel Messi (50)
*29 - Erling Haaland (50)
23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)
23 - Jamie Vardy (46)
*NOTE: Haaland's goals for Salzburg count for 1.5 points per goal. Goals for Dortmund count for two points per goal.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
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Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
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Investors: Founder's friends and Family
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
