SquashBlogger had the privilege of putting some questions to world number one Nick Matthew following his semi-final victory over Peter Barker at the PSA Super Series Finals…
Personal…
Which player do you find most difficult to play against and why?
RAMY, UNIQUE STYLE AND PACE OF GAME
What aspect of the game comes least naturally to you?
PROBABLY MY SHORT GAME
In which match could you say you came closest to playing your best squash?
COMMONWEALTH GAMES FINAL V JAMES WILLSTROP
As an up and coming player, who did you wish to emulate the most?
PETER NICOL
Fitness and Preparation…
What percentage of squash is physical ability compared with racket ability?
DEPENDS ON THE PLAYER
Starting from zero, how long would it take you to reach peak match fitness?
AFTER A BREAK, SUCH AS CHRISTMAS, PROBABLY 10 DAYS PLUS A FEW REAL MATCHES
How many days rest do you take before a major tournament?
DEPENDS ON THE SCHEDULE, WILL TAPER OFF IN THE LAST 4/5 DAYS
The Game in General…
What are your views on the PSA tour scheduling and lack of rest days? Does the format hinder or help you relative to other players?
THAT’S UP TO THE PSA TO COMMENT ON, I KNOW THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO GET THE SCHEDULE RIGHT FOR EVERYONE
How can squash reach a wider audience?
EVENTS LIKE THIS IN QUEENS [LONDON], OLYMPICS
Which player past or present…..
• Has the best attacking game? RAMY
• Has the best backhand? RAMY
• Has the toughest mental resolve? PETER NICOL
• Is the hardest to read on court? SHABANA
• Is the best mover? GAULTIER
He’s a man of few words isn’t he!