PARIS – Benjamin Hassan made history on Friday by becoming the first Lebanese tennis player during the opening era and competing in the main attractions of the French Open.
The 30-year-old defeated Japan’s James Trotter 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the final round of qualifying.
The German-born Hassan secured his position at Roland Garos by winning three consecutive matches in the qualifying tournament at Clay Court in Paris.
Ranked 177th in the world, Hassan is unfamiliar with breaking new ground in Lebanon’s tennis.
Hassan became Lebanon’s first player at the Parisio Games, which was also held at Roland Garos’ Clay Court last summer. He defeated America’s Christopher Eubanks in the first round, claiming his first victory in the history of his country’s competition.
His qualification is the second major milestone in Lebanon’s tennis this year.
In January, Hady Habib, currently ranked 159th, won the first round of match in his first Grand Slam match victory at the Australian Open.
Following Hassan’s victory on Friday, the Lebanese Tennis Federation congratulated him in a Facebook message.
“The journey continues,” the Federation said. “Be proud of Lebanon.”
In the first round of the French Open, which begins on Sunday, Hassan will face Italy’s Matteo Gigante, another player who passed the qualifying round.
