Ever wondered who rules the court in the high-speed, lightning-quick world of squash?
From masterful drop shots to relentless volleys, these 15 titans push the boundaries of the sport’s legacy.
Buckle up as we dive into the stories of squash’s greatest gladiators, one heart-pounding match at a time.
Best Squash Players:
- Jahangir Khan
- Jansher Khan
- Nick Matthew
- Ramy Ashour
- Mohamed ElShorbagy
- Nicol David
- Geoff Hunt
- Amr Shabana
- Peter Nicol
- Jonathon Power
- Gregory Gaultier
- Heather McKay
- Susan Devoy
- Sarah Fitz-Gerald
- Rodney Martin
Table of Contents
#1 Jahangir Khan
- 🌍 Nationality: Pakistani
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 10, 1963
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 6× World Open Champion, 10× British Open Champion, Unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches
Often referred to as “The Conqueror,” Jahangir Khan is a name that resonates with invincibility in the world of squash. His remarkable endurance, speed, and determination led him to an unbeaten streak that is arguably the longest winning streak by any athlete in top-level professional sports. Khan’s playing style was characterized by incredible fitness and a powerful, relentless game that consistently overwhelmed opponents.
Jahangir’s legacy extends beyond his record-breaking career; his contributions to the development of squash in Pakistan and around the world are unparalleled. He has served in various administrative roles within the sport and has been a global ambassador for squash. Despite facing early health challenges, including a hernia operation at age 15, he rose to dominate the sport for over a decade.
#2 Jansher Khan
- 🌍 Nationality: Pakistani
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 15, 1969
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 8× World Open Champion, 6× British Open Champion
Jansher Khan, another magnificent player hailing from Pakistan, is known for his fierce competitiveness and intelligent court play. Often compared to his predecessor and namesake Jahangir Khan, Jansher carved out his own legacy with a distinct tactical acumen and agility. His retrievals were legendary, and his ability to read the game made him a formidable foe.
While Jansher’s career was not without its rivalries and controversies, including intense bouts with Jahangir, his competitive spirit and resilience made him an icon in squash. After his retirement, he remained associated with the sport and contributed to coaching and mentoring younger players. His journey and mentorship have greatly influenced the next generation of Pakistani squash players.
#3 Nick Matthew
- 🌍 Nationality: English
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 25, 1980
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× World Open Champion, 3× British Open Champion, Commonwealth Games gold medalist
Nicknamed “The Wolf,” Nick Matthew is known for his mental toughness and physical dominance on the court. The Englishman’s rigorous training regimen and strategic play made him a consistent top performer in the international squash scene. His key skills include a commanding forehand, precision, and an exceptional ability to control the pace of the game.
Matthew’s standing as one of Britain’s greatest squash players is without question. He has been a passionate ambassador for the game, striving to increase its popularity and access. His squash academy and charitable endeavors demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community and promoting sports among youth.
#4 Ramy Ashour
- 🌍 Nationality: Egyptian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 30, 1987
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× World Open Champion, 3× Allam British Open Champion
Ramy Ashour, known as “The Artist,” captivated squash aficionados with his creative and extravagant flair on court. The Egyptian possessed a natural talent for improvisation, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch. His deceptive shots, speed, and reflexes allowed him to pull off the unimaginable and often left his opponents bewildered.
Ashour’s career has been a roller coaster due to several injury setbacks, which he bravely overcame to make remarkable comebacks. While injuries may have limited his time on court, his impact on the sport remains indelible. Through his innovative style, Ramy has inspired a generation of squash players to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a racket and ball.
#5 Mohamed ElShorbagy
- 🌍 Nationality: Egyptian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 12, 1991
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× World Open Champion, Multiple-time British Open Champion, World No. 1 ranked player
Nicknamed “The Beast,” Mohamed ElShorbagy is renowned for his aggressive style and physical strength. The Egyptian superstar has a commanding presence on the court and is known for his powerful strikes and tactical intelligence. His robust physique enables him to dominate the ‘T’ and overpower opponents with deep drives and volleys.
ElShorbagy’s relentless pursuit of success has seen him rise to the pinnacle of squash, spending significant time as the world’s top-ranked player. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Mohamed engages in fostering the growth of squash and has been vocal about the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. His dedication to improving himself and his sport is a testament to his character as a champion.
#6 Nicol David
- 🌍 Nationality: Malaysian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 26, 1983
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 8× World Open Champion, 9× Asian Squash Championships winner, World No. 1 for a record-breaking 109 consecutive months
Nicol David, often referred to as a squash legend, is celebrated for her record-breaking reign as World No. 1. Her unparalleled speed, agility, and anticipation made her a formidable competitor. David’s consistency and discipline on the court were matched by her humble and sporting demeanor off it, earning her the respect of peers and fans alike.
David’s impact on squash is immeasurable, particularly in Malaysia, where she’s hailed as a national hero. Her legacy includes promoting sports among youth and advocating for girls’ participation in squash. Nicol’s charitable work and role as a UN Development Programme National Goodwill Ambassador highlight her dedication to using her platform for the betterment of society.
#7 Geoff Hunt
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 11, 1947
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 4× World Open Champion, 8× British Open Champion
Geoff Hunt is one of the greats of the sport, known for his formidable fitness, strength, and tactical prowess. Throughout the 1970s, Hunt dominated the international squash scene with his precise shot-making and relentless training ethic. His capacity to maintain peak physical condition and a steely mental focus set him apart from his contemporaries.
Hunt has continued to contribute to squash through coaching, imparting his extensive knowledge to emerging players. His role in developing the sport in Australia and his coaching efforts at the Australian Institute of Sport reflect his enduring commitment to squash. His influence helped shape Australia into a powerhouse of squash talent during his era and beyond.
#8 Amr Shabana
- 🌍 Nationality: Egyptian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 20, 1979
- 🏸 Position/Role: Professional squash player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 4× World Open Champion, Several PSA World Series titles
Acknowledged affectionately as “The Maestro,” Amr Shabana is admired for his artistic skill and finesse on the squash court. His smooth movement and tactical intelligence allowed him to execute shots with a precision that was almost poetic, captivating fans around the world. Shabana’s forehand drop shot was a trademark move, exemplifying his deft touch and strategic mind.
As a former World No. 1, Shabana has played a pivotal role in Egypt’s rise to squash supremacy. Off the court, he serves as an inspiration to young Egyptians aspiring to professional sports careers. Shabana’s gentlemanly conduct and advocacy for fair play have fortified his reputation as a true ambassador of the sport.
#9 Peter Nicol
- 🌍 Nationality: Scottish/English
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 5, 1973
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Former World No. 1, World Open Champion (1999), British Open Champion, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist
Peter Nicol is known for his precise shot selection and resilience on court. A chameleon in the sport, Nicol played for both Scotland and England during his career, acquiring numerous titles under both flags. He excelled in adapting his play style to counteract his opponents.
Nicol’s career longevity and his transition to coaching after retirement have ensured his lasting imprint on squash. He has been a vocal advocate for the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, and his personal life is marked by his dedication to promoting squash at both grassroots and professional levels, aiming to inspire the next generation of players.
#10 Jonathon Power
- 🌍 Nationality: Canadian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 9, 1974
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Former World No. 1, World Open Champion (1999), Over 30 PSA titles
Jonathon Power, the charismatic Canadian, was known for his flair on court, entertaining shot-making, and psychological warfare against opponents. Power’s style was unorthodox, often catching other players off-guard with his improvisational tactics and sharp intellect.
Despite occasional controversies due to his fiery on-court demeanor, Power’s contribution to squash in North America is immense. He opened a squash academy post-retirement, aiming to cultivate new talent. Power’s personality and vibrant playing style have left a memorable legacy in squash history, while his post-career endeavors continue to impact the sport’s development.
#11 Gregory Gaultier
- 🌍 Nationality: French
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 23, 1982
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Former World No. 1, World Champion (2015), European Champion, Multiple-time French Champion
“The French General,” Gregory Gaultier, is renowned for his tactical nous and exceptional physical conditioning. Gaultier dominated the sport with a meticulous game plan, always staying a step ahead of his adversaries through stamina and strategy.
Gaultier’s career has been studded with victories, despite facing serious injuries that threatened to derail his progress. His resilience and ability to bounce back is a testament to his character and dedication to the sport. He remains a prominent figure in squash, demonstrating the significance of mental fortitude and the power of a comeback story.
#12 Heather McKay
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 31, 1941
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Unbeaten in squash for 19 years, 16-time British Open Champion, 2-time World Champion
Heather McKay’s unparalleled domination of women’s squash is legendary. Winning the British Open for sixteen consecutive years, her record is unlikely to be challenged. McKay was famed for her athletic ability, unshakable composure, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Beyond her squash achievements, McKay also represented Australia in field hockey and racquetball, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. Her contribution to sports, particularly, her endeavors to promote women in squash has been significant. She remains a role model for resilience and excellence across multiple disciplines.
#13 Susan Devoy
- 🌍 Nationality: New Zealander
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 4, 1964
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 8-time New Zealand National Champion, 4-time World Open Champion, British Open Champion
Dame Susan Devoy is known not just for her success on court, but also for her positive impact off it. A dominant force in the 1980s and 1990s, Devoy’s fitness and endurance set her apart from her competitors, helping her reach the pinnacle of the sport.
After retiring from professional squash, Devoy’s service to her community and country became evident through her involvement in charity work and her tenure as New Zealand’s Race Relations Commissioner. She is celebrated not only as a squash icon but also as a prominent advocate for social cohesion and equality.
#14 Sarah Fitz-Gerald
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 1, 1968
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 5-time World Open Champion, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Multiple Australian Open titles
Sarah Fitz-Gerald’s dominance during her era was due to her aggressive playing style and intense training regimen. Her powerful shots and mental toughness contributed to a trophy-laden career. Fitz-Gerald made a remarkable comeback after a serious knee injury, adding to her legend.
Off the court, Fitz-Gerald has been instrumental in promoting squash through coaching and advocacy. She has worked extensively to improve professional standards for female players and has been a voice for equality in squash. Her enduring impact on the sport is a beacon for aspiring athletes, demonstrating the power of determination and advocacy.
#15 Rodney Martin
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 17, 1965
- 🏸 Position/Role: Squash Player
- 🏆 Career Highlights: World Open Champion (1991), Several PSA Tour titles
Rodney Martin, known for his tactical brilliance and shot accuracy, climbed to the pinnacle of squash by winning the World Open and becoming a formidable opponent in the early ’90s. His assured presence on the court and sophisticated style of play left a mark in the era dominated by the Khans.
Though information about his personal life is not widely publicized, Martin’s professional career speaks volumes about his dedication to squash. His influence on the sport in Australia and mentoring roles post-retirement have contributed to nurturing future champions, underscoring his commitment to sustaining squash’s competitive spirit.
FAQ
Who is the best Squash player of all time?
Jahangir Khan is the best Squash player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Jahangir Khan is the best Squash player of all time. His unprecedented winning streak and dominance are unparalleled in the sport’s history.
Who are the top 10 greatest Squash players of all time?
Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Nick Matthew, Ramy Ashour, Mohamed ElShorbagy, Nicol David, Geoff Hunt, Amr Shabana, Peter Nicol, and Jonathon Power are the top 10 greatest Squash players of all time. Our list reflects a blend of historical impact, dominance, and longevity within the sport.
Who is the most famous female Squash player?
WorlWorldNicol David is the most famous female Squash player. She is celebrated for her remarkable achievements, including eight World Open titles and a record-breaking number of weeks ranked world number one.
