Two composed singles wins on clay put Lebanon one step away from a Davis Cup World Group II victory over South Africa.
Perfect Opening Day in Cairo
Lebanon opened its Davis Cup World Group II tie against South Africa in the best possible way, claiming a 2–0 lead after the first day’s play at Palm Hills Sports Club in Cairo. On a demanding clay surface, the Lebanese team handled the conditions and the pressure to take full control of the best-of-five series.
Hassan and Habib Deliver
In the first rubber, Lebanon’s top-ranked player, Benjamin Hassan, imposed himself early and never allowed his opponent to settle, closing out a straight-sets victory that gave Lebanon the initial edge. In the second singles, Hady Habib was pushed much harder, going the distance in a three-set battle but ultimately holding his nerve in a deciding tie-break to secure the crucial second point.
The two wins underline the value of Lebanon’s leading professionals, who brought tour-level experience and composure into national-team duties when it mattered most.
One Win Away from the Tie
With a 2–0 advantage, Lebanon now needs just one more win from the remaining three matches—Saturday’s doubles and Sunday’s two reverse singles—to clinch the tie. The coaching staff faces a strategic decision: whether to push for an early knockout in doubles or preserve energy and options for singles, depending on fitness, form, and matchups.
Whatever the approach, the opening day in Cairo has put Lebanon in a commanding position and boosted confidence that the team can continue its climb through the Davis Cup tiers.
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