MELBOURNE, January 12, 2025 — In an unexpected turn of events at the Australian Open, Chinese tennis hopeful Buyunchaokete faced an early exit after losing in straight sets to Lebanon's Hady Habib.

The first-round match, marked by a gripping display of skill and determination, concluded with scores of 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) in favor of Habib, who is ranked 219th worldwide.

Habib, a surprise package at the tournament, showcased impressive serving capabilities, managing to hold off Buyunchaokete's late pushes in a match that lasted over two and a half hours.

Buyunchaokete, a 22-year-old from China, entered the tournament with high expectations.

He has been seeking his maiden Grand Slam victory since his debut at the US Open last year, where he was eliminated in the first round by Norway's Casper Ruud.

Despite his 67th world ranking making him the favorite, he struggled to overcome the tenacity of his opponent, Habib.

The match faced significant delays due to heavy rainfall, a common issue in Melbourne during this time of year.

Play on the outer courts was disrupted, and the match eventually commenced in the evening under a tense atmosphere.

Buyunchaokete, known for his muscular build and powerful play, was met with strong resistance from Habib, who came through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, making him the first Lebanese men's player to reach this stage in a Grand Slam.

The opening set was tightly contested.

Both athletes demonstrated their serving strengths, resulting in a tiebreaker where Habib emerged victorious, bolstered by a lively contingent of supporters in the crowd.

Habib's subtle prowess at the net was evident as he secured the tiebreak with a stunning forehand.

The second set repeated the competitive intensity, with Habib capitalizing on an opportunity in the tenth game.

His precision with groundstrokes placed immense pressure on Buyunchaokete, leading to a critical break.

In the third and final set, Habib seemed to have secured an advantage with an early break, but Buyunchaokete showcased resilience by forcing the issue to another tiebreak.

With the Chinese player leading 6-5 and securing a set point, Habib remained unfazed, winning the next three points to clinch his inaugural Grand Slam match victory.

Habib's triumph ensures his progression to the second round, where he is set to face either 14th seed Ugo Humbert or Matteo Gigante.

This victory marks a significant milestone not only for Habib personally but also for tennis in Lebanon, putting the nation's emerging talents on the global sporting map.

The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling competition, and while Buyunchaokete's journey towards Grand Slam success continues, Habib's remarkable achievement signals a moment of celebration and promise for Lebanese tennis.