Rising Stars In Professional Squash: Players to Watch

As more and more players are recognized for their skills and achievements on the court, it's always exciting to see new talent emerge as rising stars in professional squash. These players bring fresh energy and innovative techniques to the game, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the top rising stars in professional squash who have caught our attention with their exceptional performances.

From up-and-coming talents to breakthrough players, these individuals are definitely ones to watch out for in the upcoming seasons. Let's dive into the world of professional squash and discover the next generation of champions!

What Is Professional Squash?

Professional squash is a highly competitive and elite level of the sport, where players compete for prize money in major tournaments and leagues around the world. This level of the game requires intense training, physical conditioning, and tactical strategies to excel.

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) is the governing body for professional squash and oversees all major tournaments, rankings, and player development programs. The top-ranked players in the PSA World Tour are considered to be among the best in the world.

Professional squash not only showcases incredible skill and athleticism, but it also requires mental toughness and determination. With matches lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, players must have a strong mindset to stay focused and perform at their best.

Tournaments in professional squash are held in a knockout format, with players competing against each other in a best-of-five-games match. The scoring system is based on the traditional 'point-a-rally' format, where players must win by two points to secure a game.

Why To Keep An Eye On Rising Stars?

With the constantly evolving nature of professional squash, it's always exciting to watch new players emerge and make their mark on the sport. These rising stars bring a fresh perspective and unique playing styles that add diversity to the game.

Many of these young players have been training for years, honing their skills and building their physical and mental strength. As they enter the professional circuit, they are able to showcase their talents against some of the best players in the world.

In addition to their technical abilities, these rising stars also possess a hunger and drive to succeed at the highest level. They are determined to climb up the rankings and make a name for themselves in the professional squash world.

Watching these players develop and evolve on the court is not only exciting, but it also gives us a glimpse into the future of the sport. As they continue to train and compete, we can expect to see great things from them in the years to come.

Top Rising Stars In Professional Squash

There are numerous talented and promising players in the world of professional squash, but there are a few who have stood out as true rising stars. Her are some of the top names to keep an eye on:

1. Hania El Hammamy (Egypt)

Hania El Hammamy, born on September 1, 2000, in Cairo, is a top Egyptian squash player. Inspired by her brother, Karim El Hammamy, she switched from gymnastics to squash, quickly rising through the ranks.

By age 16, she was the top seed in women's junior squash. In 2019, she claimed her first world junior championship title and broke into the top 10 rankings, solidifying her status as a leading player.

Notable victories include winning the 2020 Black Ball Squash Open and the 2020 PSA World Tour Finals. Hania's resilience and talent have earned her a prominent spot in global squash, consistently challenging the world's best players. As of January 2022, she is ranked number 3 in the world.

This rising star continues to impress with her speed, agility, and fierce determination on the court. With a bright future ahead, Hania El Hammamy is definitely one to watch in professional squash.

2. Mostafa Asal (Egypt)

Mostafa Asal, born May 9, 2001, is a rising star in the world of squash from Egypt. Known as "The Raging Bull" for his fierce playing style, Asal quickly ascended the ranks to become the world’s number one player in January 2023.

His career highlights include winning the 2021 PSA World Tour Finals and the U.S. Open Squash Men's Championship. Despite his remarkable talent, Asal's journey has been turbulent, with multiple suspensions due to on-court controversies.

His relentless drive and unique approach to the game make him a formidable presence on the court, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting and controversial players in modern squash.

3. Nele Gilis (Belgium)

Nele Gilis, born on February 20, 1996, in Belgium, is an emerging talent in the world of squash. She has swiftly risen through the ranks, achieving a career-high world ranking of No. 4 in November 2023. Gilis initially distinguished herself as a junior by winning the 2014 European Junior Squash Championships.

She secured her first PSA World Tour title in 2016 and followed it up with a second title at the Irish Open in 2017. Renowned for her determination and skill, Gilis reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 PSA Women's World Squash Championship.

With her impressive accomplishments and increasing influence in the sport, Gilis is well-positioned to further her success in the global squash arena.

4. Iker Pajares (Spain)

Iker Pajares Bernabeu, the Spanish No.1 squash player, has emerged as a leading figure in the sport, having won 11 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles. He began his PSA World Tour journey in 2013, claiming his first title in 2016 at the PSA City of Prague Open.

Iker's success continued with victories at the PSA Malaysian Squash Tour, PSA Seapiax Lorient Open, and others, propelling him into the world's top 30. A four-time Spanish National Champion, Iker's most recent title came in February 2024.

As a key member of the Spanish national team, he played a crucial role in Spain's historic 8th-place finish at the 2019 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship.

5. Rowan Elaraby (Egypt)

Rowan Elaraby, born on July 29, 2000, in Alexandria, Egypt, is a top-tier professional squash player. As of April 2022, she achieved a career-high ranking of No. 8 in the world.

Elaraby has a distinguished record, having won the 2022 Carol Weymuller Women's Squash Championship, marking her first victory at this prestigious event by defeating Malaysian player Sivasangari Subramaniam 3–1.

She is also a two-time World Junior Champion, securing titles in 2017 and 2018 by overcoming her compatriot Hania El Hammamy in both finals. Earlier, in 2016, she reached the World Junior Championship final but fell short against Nouran Gohar. Elaraby continues to be a prominent figure in international squash.

So these are just a few of the top rising stars in professional squash. As they continue to make their mark on the sport, we can expect to see even more exciting and competitive matches from them, cementing their place in the history of this dynamic and challenging game. 

So keep an eye out for these players and others as they continue to inspire and push the boundaries of what is possible in professional squash.

Why They Inspire Us

These rising stars embody the essence of what it means to be a professional squash player - dedication, talent, and passion for the sport. They have shown us that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Their incredible performances on the court inspire us to constantly push ourselves and strive for greatness. Their perseverance in overcoming challenges both on and off the court reminds us to never give up, no matter how tough the journey may be.

Moreover, these players have also played an important role in growing the popularity of squash around the world. With their captivating playing style and dynamic personalities, they have attracted new fans to the sport and brought more attention to the professional squash scene.

Their success has also paved the way for future generations of players, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach for the top ranks in squash.

These rising stars have become role models not just for aspiring squash players but for anyone looking for motivation and inspiration in any aspect of life. They remind us that with hard work, resilience, and passion, we can achieve our goals and make our mark on the world.

FAQs

Does the professional squash scene have a gender gap?

Yes, unfortunately, there is still a significant gender gap in the professional squash scene. While both men and women compete at the highest level, there are disparities in prize money and media coverage between male and female players.

How can I get involved in professional squash?

If you're interested in becoming a professional squash player, it's important to start playing at a young age and get involved in local squash clubs or organizations. You can also attend tournaments and seek out coaching to improve your skills and compete at a higher level.

Is it possible to make a living as a professional squash player?

Yes, but the financial support for professional squash players is not as lucrative compared to other popular sports like tennis or golf. Many players also supplement their income by coaching, endorsements, and prize money from tournaments.

Conclusion

Professional squash is a dynamic and exciting sport, and these rising stars are undoubtedly making their mark on the world stage. With their impressive achievements and inspiring stories, they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

As fans, we can look forward to following their journeys and witnessing more thrilling matches from these talented players. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see them achieve even greater heights in professional squash.

The possibilities are endless for these rising stars in the world of squash.  So let's continue to support them as they inspire us with their passion, skill, and determination on and off the court.