U.S. Open Squash

Article by Kristi Maroc

One of the biggest shake ups of the 2011 Delaware Investments U.S. Open was during the quarterfinals of the women’s event when sixth seed Kasey Brown, ranked #6 in the world at the time, beat the robust and long-standing world #1 Nicol David.

In what was one of the greatest wins in her career, Kasey outclassed the rarely beatable Nicol in a smooth four game match that lasted just under an hour, and then went on to beat third seed Madeline Perry to make it through to the U.S. Open final.

The super-fit 27 year old Aussie, who lives and trains in the United States, says that the experience was thrilling and has been one of the biggest highlights in her career so far.

“The 2011 U.S. Open was probably the best WSA tournament I’ve ever played to date,” she says.

“I don’t think anyone really expected me to win that match [against Nicol].  I had to play really well to beat her…and I think things just came together.”

“It was a huge match for me, and it was just a fantastic tournament overall.”

Kasey says her preparation and support in the lead up to the tournament was instrumental in her success at the event.

“It was really good.  I was training with my coach Rod Martin here in the States and he was able to come to the event as well which really helped me get through to that final.”

“The finals atmosphere at the U.S. Open is fantastic, and I really just took it all in and took it in my stride.  Unfortunately I lost the final against Laura Massaro, but it was a fantastic tournament overall.”

Kasey has been playing on the professional women’s tour for eight years now, since she was 19 years old, and has solidly climbed through the rankings to reach a career high of world #5 at the end of last year.

Kasey’s introduction to squash happened at a young age through her mum’s work at a local squash center as she was growing up in the Australian country town of Taree.

“I used to go there with her on the weekends and after school and just hit balls by myself for hours and hours and play games with myself while she was working.  It all really started from there.”

At 13 years old Kasey won the highly competitive Australian Junior Open and realized that becoming a professional squash player was a realistic goal for her future.

“At the time I won I thought ‘yeah I want to become world number one!’ and I think that has always been in my head.  It still is!” she smiles.

“It’s been a long term goal and hopefully I can get there one day.”

Boasting an athletic physique that screams fitness and strength, and the proven ability to beat the unshakable Nicol David, there’s no doubt that Kasey is in optimum shape and at the pinnacle of age and experience right now to do whatever she sets her mind to in her career.

Currently at world #8, she’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience behind her to achieve her ultimate dream.  She has competed solidly in a throng of eminent world tournaments and boasts an impressive list of career achievements, including winning the esteemed Greenwich Open last year.

Kasey has represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games, in 2006 and 2010.  In 2010 she was the only player to take home three medals in the mixed doubles, women’s doubles and singles.  Added to that was the prize of a career highlight win in the singles during a marathon match that saw Kasey fight back from two games down to beat England’s Madeline Perry, proving a life lesson to herself about her capability and endurance.  She also won a bronze medal with women’s doubles partner Donna Urquhart, and a gold medal alongside mixed doubles partner Cameron Pilley.

“To get a Commonwealth Games gold medal is such a huge honor and to win it with Cameron was just a fantastic experience.  To get all three was just a dream come true,” she says.

"It’s just a dream come true really to play for your country.  Especially with Australia having such a strong history in the sport.”

“Another highlight for me was winning the World Team Championships in 2010.  The Australian team beat England, and to win that title and win for Australia was a huge thing for me.”

“Having Michelle Martin as our coach and part of the team was great.  She was my idol growing up so to have her there was just fantastic.”

Growing the profile of women’s squash is important to Kasey.  She’d like to see it more closely aligned with the men’s tour in terms of popularity as well as prize money.

“With the U.S. Open, the gap [in prize money] is closing, which is fantastic for an event like that, and also great for women’s squash,” says Kasey.

“In terms of the appeal of women’s squash, I think the spectators relate a little bit more to the women's game and I think we need to use that to promote the WSA."

Women’s Squash Week is happening in the US next week (September 8-15), and Kasey says the goal of getting more women involved in squash is an important one.

“It’s such a great sport for women to play.  Not only does it keep you incredibly fit, but it’s a really social and fun way to mingle with other people.”

Along with her exceptional squash, Kasey has also become well known in the squash world for the eye-catching and glamorous dresses she wears on court, with their fun design making them a standout favorite in on-court fashion.

During her U.S. Open match against Nicol, Kasey was wearing one of the favorite designs – a black racer-back dress with lavish metallic embellishments.

“The reaction that I got from that dress has been just fantastic,” she says.

“A friend of mine and I, we really wanted to create a statement for squash through a bit of fashion, so we found a design and put some ideas together, and my friend’s mother made the dress up.

“We actually made a whole set in different colors, we have a pink and a blue one as well,” she adds.

The outfits have been popular amongst many squash fans.

“I’ve been coaching here at camp with Karen Kronemeyer, and these kids from Philadelphia have said ‘oh, you’re the girl with the dress!’, remembering it from when they were watching last year’s U.S. Open!  So I’ve had a really good reaction from it,” she says.

“I think it’s really important, for the girls especially, to show their personality through what they wear on court.  I think it’s a big part of the game, and hopefully others will follow suit.”

Rather than relaxing over the summer break, Kasey chose to spend her time training with her coach Rodney Martin, coaching at school camps, and mentoring at New York’s urban youth program CitySquash.

“I think it’s really important to give back, and CitySquash is a fantastic charity and so a great way to do so,” she says.

“I try to volunteer as much as I can for that program when I’m around.  I think they’re all just an amazing bunch of kids, and they really open up to you after a while and you see their personalities come out.  It’s a really beneficial program.”

Kasey has just returned from Australia where she competed in the Australian Open at the beginning of August.  Next up she’ll head over to the Malaysian Open, before returning to her home base in New York to prepare for another attempt to win the crown in what she lists as one of her favorite tournaments, the U.S. Open.

“It was such a fantastic event last year.  Drexel University had the glass court set up, on one day the SquashSmarts youth program from Philadelphia came out and watched which was fantastic,” she says.

“I thought that U.S. SQUASH did a great job with the event and I hope that things just become bigger and better each year.”

Article by Kristi Maroc

As a child, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up it’s likely James Willstrop replied ‘a top international professional squash player’ while other children were saying astronauts, racecar drivers, ballerinas or Hollywood actors. Like many other responses, his answer may have seemed like an innocent and possibly farfetched dream to many…but to James and those close to him it was already something realistic to aspire towards.

“I remember really being very young, there was no question that I really wanted to play the game to a top level,” says 29-year old James.

“I had a lot of encouragement and had an environment where I was able to be very involved and exposed to the game. I was at squash clubs, and found I loved it. I got addicted very early on and never really looked back.”

James’ family is all heavily involved in squash. His father Malcolm Willstrop was, and still is his coach, along with his brother David who was also previously a professional player and is now part of England’s national coaching team.

“It’s been a great life in squash for me. I’ve been very very privileged to have that chance to be exposed as a young child to that environment. As it happened I enjoyed it, I may not have taken to it as I did, but my family were well involved and I followed them.”

Now at the pinnacle of squash achievement, with a world #1 professional ranking, all of James’ dreams have come true.

“I was always really exposed to professional squash. I came to watch the British Open when I was young, and was obsessed with it – I still am really.”

The difference now is that he is actually competing in the British Open, and other major World Series professional tournaments such as the El Gouna Open, Hong Kong Open, and the U.S. Open.

James has confirmed he will return to the United States in October to contest for the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open title. In last year’s U.S. Open he lost in the semifinals to compatriot and known rival Nick Matthew, a result which he will no doubt be looking to amend this time.

He is also likely keen to retaliate from his most recent major tournament experience – at the 2012 British Open – where he was knocked out in the semifinals in front of a home crowd during a nail-biting hour-long match against Egyptian Ramy Ashour.

After the summer off to regroup and prepare for the first major tournament of the season, plus a taste for revenge on his lips, James is likely to turn up enthusiastic and raring to win the U.S. Open and substantiate his world #1 ranking.

“Motivation comes by easily because I love winning, I love the thrill of winning and competing to the very best of my ability, or giving the very best account of myself even if I don’t win. I just love striving for that,” he says.

According to James, the only road to success is hard work...there are no secret tips.

“As boring as it sounds, there aren’t really any shortcuts. Hard work is the key. And if you want to get better at things, practice is my biggest tip, it really is…hard work and training.

“There’s a lot of off-court training – gym work, core work, yoga, psychology – it’s all in there. The secret is literally hard work. Like anything, what you put in you’ll get out,” he says.

“My main target now is to just try to stay healthy and play the game and enjoy the experiences that might be left. That’s another thing that you learn when you get older, I think you get a lot of perspective and you understand that it doesn’t last forever.

“I’m really lucky to have played at some of the great venues around the world and win some brilliant tournaments, and I just want to try and enjoy that as well.”

The starring role that squash has played in James’ life means that now he is so successfully established in his career, he is enthusiastic about instilling his love of the game to junior players.

“I remember like it was yesterday when I was watching people play in these big venues and just being absolutely awestruck by them. They were my heroes, the players, at that time. So I suppose now when I’m stood in that position as the world number one, I try and steady myself and enjoy it.

“This time isn’t around forever, where you’re an elite athlete and at the top of your game, so I try to just think ‘let’s enjoy it, let’s try to put back into the game and encourage the kids and the fans to enjoy the sport’.

Article by Will Heyman and Kristi Maroc

With just two months to go until the world’s best squash players arrive in the United States to challenge for the prestigious U.S. Open title, and local pre-qualifiers currently underway at clubs across the city, anticipation is growing within the Philadelphia and broader squash community as the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships near.

Squash has rapidly risen to new heights and popularity at U.S. Open’s host venue Drexel University in recent years thanks to the addition of a varsity squash team boasting the legendary former world #1 John White as head coach, and a new five court squash facility.

The buzz is quickly spreading among local sports lovers and students who are looking forward to the opportunity to witness the prestigious World Series event.

22-year old senior Amey Khanolkar, who has played on the Drexel Club Squash team for three years and the Varsity Squash team for one year, is thrilled to see all his favorite international professional athletes battling it out on his home campus.

“Being an avid squash player and an enthusiastic follower of the professional squash tour, I can’t wait to see the pros play on the glass court from up close,” Amey said.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity for people in the U.S. to get to see the world’s best international squash stars compete at this World Series level.”

“I’m especially looking forward to seeing Ramy Ashour play this year, it’s great news that he is going to be there.  He’s an absolute magician with the squash racquet, it’ll be incredible to watch live,” Amey said excitedly.

Also eager to see the world-class event is 21-year old Dylan Siegfried, a rising junior who learned about squash just last year thanks to the U.S. Open.

“I didn’t really know much about squash until last year when the U.S. Open was here and my friend who loves squash dragged me along.”

“They turned the DAC into an awesome venue with a sensational center stage and all the biggest names in squash from around the world. I’m pumped to watch it again this year.”

The ‘DAC’ as it is affectionately known around campus is Drexel’s Daskalaskis Athletic Center, where a world-class all-glass showcase court and expo arena will be constructed in October to house the U.S. Open.  The impressive first-class facility includes five squash courts, a swimming pool, a golf center, and a gymnasium featuring four courts for recreational, intramural, club volleyball, basketball and badminton.

“Squash is developing such an enthusiastic following here at Drexel,” Dylan said.

“Sometimes in the evenings I go to the squash courts to play with a friend, but unless you reserve a court there are so many people wanting to play you often have to wait quite a while.”

Students aren’t the only ones who are excited.  Drexel Athletic department staff are keen to host again this year, following the success in 2011.

“We are so proud to have the opportunity to host this fantastic event,” said John White.

“It was a great success last year showcasing the U.S. Open and Drexel University to a large national and international squash community.”

The U.S. Open Squash Championships attract national and international visitors to Philadelphia, and are also broadcast to an audience of international fans via SquashTV and it’s network of 18 television distributors.

John White was one of the local contenders to participate in the U.S. Open last year, and will play again this year.

“Playing in front of the crowds that come to Philadelphia for this event is terrific.  Not only are there the students and local Philadelphians, but also tons of passionate squash players and fans who travel from all over the country and even overseas to be a part of it…it’s an awesome atmosphere.”

• To see former world professional PSA squash player Gilly Lane take you on a fun look around his hometown of Philadelphia, head to www.usopensquash.com/philadelphia
• Information about tickets for the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships can be found at www.usopensquash.com/tickets
• Drexel students are entitled to a limited number of FREE tickets to the U.S. Open each day!  Conditions apply, further details can be found at http://www.usopensquash.com/tickets/individual-tickets

Article by Todd Harrity and Kristi Maroc

With the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships creeping up, the world’s most elite Olympic-level athletes will be heading to Philadelphia to challenge each other for one of the most coveted prizes in the world of squash – the U.S. Open title.

As a World Series event, one of a select group of professional squash tournaments that are recognized as the pinnacle of the sport, the U.S. Open showcases the absolute best of the best.

The athletes are at the top of the game, having trained for their entire lives to excel at their chosen sport – a sport which is considered one of the toughest in the world according to an ESPN study, and the healthiest in the world according to a Forbes Magazine report.

To the wonder of many, and regardless of its appeal as an intense, challenging and gripping sport, squash has yet to secure a place on the Olympic program despite an enduring fight from representatives for many decades.  The sport was very close to getting into the 2016 Games – golf, rugby 7s, and squash were the three hot candidates for inclusion in Rio 2016 – however unfortunately squash just missed out.

The Olympics are considered to be the height of world sporting accomplishment, and given the opportunity the elite professional players contesting the upcoming U.S. Open would be playing in the Olympics right now.  And they deserve it, having trained intensely and devotedly for many years to be among the best athletes in the world.

But unfortunately for squash players the opportunity to showcase their talents in a competition that attains such prominent exposure, media coverage and unsurpassed worldwide recognition is not yet a reality.

“It is so heart-breaking when you know this sport has so much to offer and we have got everything it takes to be an Olympic sport,” says Nicol David, World #1 women’s squash player and six time World Open champion.

“It is probably the most all-round sport you can find. To be in the game and not see it in the Olympics is so sad.”

Now once again the squash community is stepping up the fight towards a bid for the 2020 Olympics.  The decision for sports to be included in 2020 will be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) next year, and currently there is a strong campaign underway to promote the bid.

On World Squash Day, October 20^th 2012, an attempt is being made by the squash community around the globe to play the ‘biggest sports match in history’.  Clubs in countries across the world are participating in the event in which two teams of 20 players, each representing 'Team Squash' or 'Team 2020' will battle it out to create sporting history in an effort to generate worldwide awareness and recognition of the sport.

According to the World Squash Day website, the target is to make headlines around the world to Back The Bid for Squash to be included in the 2020 Olympics. To do that we need to have thousands of players joining in on the day. Not only will it be the biggest squash match in history, we want to make it the biggest-ever sports match in history.

Despite the fact that IOC has denied squash in its last two attempts, hopes remain high that all the effort and hard work behind this third attempt will be fruitful.  All squash players and clubs worldwide are encouraged to participate.

“The players want it and squash enthusiasts all over the world are desperate to see the sport included in the Olympic Games,” Chief Executive of the World Squash Federation, Andrew Shelley says.

In this bid squash is in the running with baseball, roller sports, softball, climbing and wakeboarding, karate and wushu (a form of Chinese martial arts).

Many of squash’s most well known and top players and figures are actively in support of the Olympic bid, voicing strong opinions and identifying the recent innovations that make squash the best candidate for the 2020 Games.

Recent developments including the latest high definition cameras, four glass wall courts, and a standard, universal scoring system are among the innovations that make squash a more attractive candidate for the Olympics this time around.

Natalie Grainger, former world #1 and U.S. Open winner in 2004, 2007, and 2008 says that squash is an ideal sport for the Olympics due to its ability to be a gripping televised sport.

“I have seen television footage of squash in such high definition that you can see the muscles rippling on the players’ legs as they change direction.  You can see the ball very clearly as it’s being bashed around all over the court – it’s vivid, and action-packed, and makes you feel like you are right there watching it live,” she says.

Former Men’s World #1 and U.S. Open champion in 2004 and 2005, Lee Beachill  believes the inclusion of squash in the Olympics should be a priority over a number of other events.

“How much does the Olympics mean to the top footballers?  I think that it is wrong for a sport to have Olympic status if the Olympics isn’t its biggest event.

“When the top players from a sport don’t go to the Olympics, then it shouldn’t be there.  The Olympics would be the biggest thing in squash," he says.

To emphasize just that point, earlier this year Nicol David made an astounding claim:

“I would happily trade all of my six World Open titles for an Olympic Gold,” she said.

Sadly, it is likely that 28-year old Nicol may be beyond a suitable age to participate in the Olympics in 2020 even if the bid is successful.

Regardless, her enthusiasm for the plight remains – in addition to the millions of passionate and devoted squash players around the world.

Former world #1 Jahangir Khan, often considered the world’s best ever squash player having won ten British Open titles, six World Open titles and being unbeaten for 555 consecutive matches, just recently penned an article expressing his eagerness to see squash finally make the Olympics.

“I really hope that the next generation of players get the opportunity to take part – they deserve a chance to try for the medals I missed out on," he says.

“Squash is already played in every major multi-sport event, including the Commonwealth Games, the Pan Am Games, and the Asian Games. But competing in the Olympic Games would be the most important opportunity for a player – and winning gold the ultimate prize in the sport.”

Such tremendous and extensive efforts by the international squash community and such high hopes for so many years show just how special the Olympics would be for the professional players and fans alike.

If squash does make it on to the 2020 program of Olympic sports, no doubt it would inspire the greatest efforts from the world’s best players, all playing their hearts out to be the first Olympic squash champion.

In a game with 150 years of history and millions of enthusiastic players from every continent in the world, what a spectacular thing it will be to finally see.

To find out more about the Squash's 2020 Bid, head to squash2020.com

To learn more about the 'Team Squash vs Team 2020' event on World Squash Day and register your club, head to worldsquashday.com

Article by Kristi Maroc

A surprise upset in the quarterfinals of last year’s U.S. Open has Malaysia’s Nicol David looking toward the 2012 championship with fresh and determined drive.

Losing isn’t something she takes lightly, and it was a rare occasion for Nicol – one of very few losses amid an incredibly lengthy list of wins in recent years.

“Everyone knows that I hate losing. I just want to keep on winning all the time!” Nicol chuckles.

World #1 for the past six years, Nicol has been virtually unbeatable in professional women’s squash throughout that time, but was unexpectedly knocked out of the U.S. Open last year by talented Aussie Kasey Brown, who was seeded sixth in the tournament.

There are very few professional titles that Nicol hasn’t won. However despite her astounding career history of over 50 titles, Nicol hasn’t yet won the U.S. Open –something she is looking to change in October.

It seems last year’s loss has only acted as a motivator for her and this year she is hoping to challenge for the title and add it to her extensive list of career achievements.

“The U.S. Open again this year will be exciting, being there knowing that it’s not mine to defend, it’s mine for the taking,” she says.

“It’s something to look forward to, and it will be good to be back in Philadelphia again.

“The challenge is always there, all the time, and no doubt you have players that are there gunning for you. But it’s a tournament where I’m not defending it – I just want to go for it!” she smiles.

Nicol’s determination, drive and achievements have earned her a household name status in the squash world. She is arguably the most well known female player of modern day squash, and one of the most prominent in the history of the game.

Nicol was named WISPA Player of the Year for six consecutive years from 2005 to 2010. At the end of last year she was inducted to the World Squash Federation’s Hall of Fame, a prestige usually reserved until late in the career of long standing professional athletes, however due to her extraordinary accomplishments she was given the honor whilst still at the peak of her career and actively competing.

At the time she was quick to dispel any rumors that the honor might mean she is nearing retirement.

“Even though I have been playing the professional circuit for over ten years, this honor doesn’t mean I plan to finish yet!” she warned.

Nicol holds a celebrity status in Malaysia with an intensity that surpasses any squash athlete of current time. She has earned the devotion and admiration of adoring fans across the country due to her achievements in squash on the international stage, and has brought attention to the game in Malaysia at a level that is rare in squash in most other parts of the world.

She has won the Malaysian Sportswoman of the Year a remarkable eight times, and has also been ranked as one of the top most influential Malaysian women of all time. She was the first Asian woman to achieve world number one status in squash.

Nicole was honored with a Darjah Bakti (Order of Merit) award in recognition of her immense contribution to the nation, and the former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi once told her that she was the pride of the nation and “you are now more famous than me".

So far this year, Nicol has won all of the championships she has competed for, including the World Open, British Open, Kuala Lumpar Open and the Cleveland Classic, showing peak form in the lead up to the U.S. Open.

Next stop will be the Australian Open in August, before she heads to the States to challenge for the U.S. Open title in October.

“The 2011 U.S. Open was a tournament where I learnt a lot. I lost in the quarterfinals and from then on I’ve really picked things up and found ways to really stay on top of things and going to other tournaments with a clearer mind and being ready for anything.”

When asked for the secret to her success throughout her career, Nicol says her parents have made a significant contribution.

“I have a good family upbringing and my parents have played a huge part in my squash success. They have supported me all through my squash career in juniors and also in school, and have never put any pressure on me to perform. They’ve just always been there by my side all the way.

“Also I have a very good support team behind me, and good sponsors, and all this has played a huge role.”

Recognizing her talent and marketability, Nicol is sponsored by Prince, Asics, Oakley, Gatorade, Hotel Equatorial and CIMB Investment Bank Berhad.

Nicol’s training is six days a week, twice a day, and a total amount of 2-4 hours a day depending on whether it is off season or pre season.

“If it’s pre season I’ll reduce the workload and pay more attention to squash, but it’s a combination of squash and physical – physical meaning fitness, gym, agility and movement and everything you can think of basically.”

Aside from her incredible and intensive squash career, Nicol has managed to achieve significant academic success, and is also a United Nations Development Programme National Goodwill Ambassador.

On her website, Nicol lists some of the qualities that she feels are most important in life as power, skill, creativity, mental toughness, drive and passion.

In her own words, “You have to want something so badly that it pushes you to the limits”.

With Nicol’s eye on the prize, the battle for the women’s 2012 U.S. Open crown is going to be an exciting one.

Article by Kristi Maroc

Despite his notoriety in the squash community and stable position within the world’s top few men’s players for over five years now, we never know what to expect from the artistic and intriguing Ramy Ashour.

One thing we can expect however is that he will be playing in the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships.

24 year old Ramy, long hailed as one of the most innovative and fascinating players around, has confirmed that he will head to Philadelphia in October for the coveted World Series event.

Known as an unpredictable player, the illusive ‘artist’, as he’s often nicknamed, lives up to the title in all arenas.  His creative talent stretches from his astonishing backhand-volley-drop-nick, to his love of cultures, travel and singing.

Ramy enjoys being center stage both on the court and off, as recently demonstrated when he serenaded his childhood best friend at his wedding, with a song Ramy wrote especially for the occasion.

“I love this guy, he’s one of my best friends and we’ve been friends since we were like 10 years old.  I wanted to do something for him, so I made him a song.  I wrote the lyrics and did the composing and everything…and I thought it didn’t come up too badly,” he laughs.

Ramy also prepares for his squash matches by singing and listening to music.

“I love squash, and music for me is always parallel to squash.  I’d never leave this and I’d never leave that.

In fact, don’t rule out a singing career in Ramy’s future.  He says that during the current off season he might even record some of his singing.

“I’m really into music and I know some singers back home and I go with them a lot to studios.  I might do something with them this summer.

“I’ll never be a professional singer I’m sure, but I just want to do something because I love it so much.”

So are we about to see a ‘Ramy’s greatest hits’ then…?

“No, swapping a career or trying to swap your concentration or turn it from your main thing to other things is very hard, so I would never do that.

“When I finish squash though, I might think about doing something else with singing.  But for now I’ll just do it [as a hobby] so I can fulfill the desire that I have for singing.”

There’s certainly more to Ramy than meets the eye, not only in his lesser known singing aspirations and talent.

Ramy has an enthusiastic and passionate manner, and when asked what provokes, motivates or inspires him, he quickly raises to the topic of travel and other cultures, as well as his own home country of Egypt which he clearly feels a lot of pride for.

“I’m always observing new things in the characters and the lifestyles in different countries – more than just going out and seeing scenery and nature.  To be honest, I’m not really interested in that, I’m more interested in the people and the characters and the different lifestyles.

“When I go to other countries and other places, I’m fascinated and interested in the way they live…their systems and regiments too.

“That’s what every Egyptian always speaks about, because our system is very flexible back home, to the extent that it can be changeable at any point in the day.  There is a lot of unexpected in our lives, a lot more than the unexpected probably in America, or England or Europe.

“There’s always motivations back home, there’s always things that you keep on thinking.

“The system, the way we live…our lives always have ups and downs, ups and downs, ups and downs, but living in Egypt is so much fun because we’re always going out and the people have so much humor.

“I love being in America so much because it’s very similar to Egypt in the lifestyle and in the going out style.  It’s always lively and there are a lot of people everywhere.  When you go to New York, and down to Manhattan, there are people going out everywhere and everyone has something to do.

“In Egypt it’s like this, there’s a lot of people too so everyone is caught up in their own thoughts and their own things.”

On the squash court as well, Ramy’s emotion, deep thinking and fieriness is often quite apparent – it’s often easy to see his feelings, whether good or bad, during his matches.

“It all shows on my face, whether I’m in the mood or in the zone.  It doesn’t take an intellectual person to analyze me, and analyze my attitude.  If you just watch me a couple of matches and see me in my pinnacle, in my top game or top performance, and then see me in my down low form, you’ll very quickly realize the difference.

“Probably, as you say, this is a good thing and a bad thing, because other players would see this on my face pretty quickly, and playing squash, especially when it’s a tough game, you should be rigid and you should be firm all the time – you shouldn’t show emotion on your face that much.

“But sometimes I just can’t control it and I’ve tried not to show so much, but then I just felt like I’m not being natural and I’m not being myself.

“That’s another thing I believe in, that whatever you’re doing you have to always be natural and be yourself so you can produce your best outcome or your best skill level.

“I really love this game and I feel a lot of passion towards it.  I treat this game, I treat the racquet and the court and everything about this game as though it’s my best friend, or my closest friend…or as if it’s my girlfriend.

“It’s my ultimate pleasure when someone tells me that their heart was pounding when I was playing.  I believe it’s so important for fans to see the characters and personalities of the players, more than just watching the game and just seeing how hard or how nice or how fun the game is.  I mean, people want to know more about the players so that they get more interested in the whole thing.”

What does Ramy think has been the secret to his success?

“I started playing this game when I was six years old, and I know every single corner and every single aspect of the court.

“I always believe that the more you stay on court by yourself – or even with a coach, but more by yourself – whether you have an iPod in your ears or not, the more that you become familiar with it and the more you have a chemistry and a connection with every angle in the court and every dimension of the court.

“And so that’s basically what I’ve been doing over the last seventeen or eighteen years now.”

It’s little wonder that Ramy is in the position he’s in now then.  As one of the most awe-inspiring players of current time, and only in his early twenties, he’s likely to be around for a long while yet.

“I just try to do what I should do and what I feel joy about.

“I believe as long as you’re doing what you love and as long as you’re doing what you enjoy, and what you believe in, this energy will be conveyed to the people, and I hope its working.”

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Ramy on trick shots, tattoos, superpowers and sushi

Watch this recent interview where he reveals his thoughts on a variety of on and off court topics, from trick shots to tattoos, superpowers to sushi...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acx4LOTmPPo&feature=youtu.be&w=400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a5AjvATWVY&feature=g-upl&w=400

Simply create a short video (less than 60 seconds) that shows us how much you love squash, including an attempt Hisham’s Mizuki shot.    

This is a competition for all levels – videos will be judged on the most creative, fun and original video, not just the Mizuki.  Entrants are encouraged to use their creativity to make a unique and imaginative video that highlights their love of squash including a reasonable attempt at the Mizuki.

You have 60 seconds to wow us with your squash enthusiasm and interest in attending the 2012 U.S. Open Squash.  Show us what you’ve got! 

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Discounted tickets for the renowned 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships will remain at early-bird sale prices for just one more week, until Saturday June 30.

At 25-50% off, tickets to witness an elite international showcase of squash talent are at bargain prices right now!

Held in Philadelphia, a passionate sports city just over an hour out of New York City by train, tickets are selling quickly to this professional squash spectacle.

Amtrak is also offering a 10% discount on the best available rail fare to the U.S. Open, making it easy to travel from New York and other US cities to this captivating event.

The U.S. Open is undoubtedly among the most coveted professional squash tournaments in the world, as it is part of the PSA and WSA World Series Tours.

This year the event boasts a record grand prize of $185,000, distinguishing it as one of the most highly rewarded championships in professional squash, and making it certain to draw all of the world’s best players.

In the men’s draw, current world #1 James Willstrop (ENG) has already confirmed that he will be playing, as too has his compatriot and long-term rival, last year’s finalist world #2 Nick Matthew (ENG).

The women’s draw will include longstanding world #1 and record six-time World Open champion Nicol David (MAS), and 2011 U.S. Open women’s defending champion world #2 Laura Massaro (ENG).

In addition to an incredible showcase of world class professional squash, there will also be an exciting array of activities and events happening throughout the championships, including an interactive squash zone, awards, club nights and much more.

At these heavily discounted prices for tickets, you need to get in fast!  Discounted tickets are only available for one more week, until June 30.  Head to www.usopensquash.com now to purchase yours!

At the U.S. Open website you can also watch a video tour of Philadelphia and the U.S. Open with local squash professional formerly ranked within the world’s top 50, Gilly Lane.

• DISCOUNTED TICKETS:  To buy your discounted tickets before June 30, click here.
• AMTRAK DEAL:  For further details on the Amtrak discount and getting to the venue, click here.
• GILLY IN PHILLY:  To be shown around Philly by local squash star Gilly Lane, click here.
• SCHEDULE: For information on events and activities during the 2012 U.S. Open, click here.