While I may not have won the title at the Southwestern Open, being awarded the Runner-Up position remains a meaningful milestone in my squash journey. The Houston Squash Club served as the battleground for this thrilling tournament, nestled at the heart of Houston, Texas. This exclusive club, dedicated solely to the sport of squash, offered an extraordinary setting for a competition that was anything but ordinary. While I may not have claimed the championship this time, the path to the final was an adventure worth every step.
My journey to the Final:
1st round:
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA): bye
2nd round:
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Georgia Adderley (SCO): 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-8)
Quarter-finals:
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [8] Emily Whitlock (WAL): 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-2)
Semi-finals:
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Nada Abbas (EGY): 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3)
Finals:
[1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [2] Amanda Sobhy (USA): (9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5)
Third successive World Tour semi-final:
I’ve achieved a remarkable feat, making it to the semi-finals in three consecutive World Tour tournaments during this 2023 season 9: Paris, Qatar, and now Houston.
The Semi-Final:
My journey from the semi-finals as one of the top seeds, I faced a formidable challenge against the Egyptian talent, Nada Abbas. It was a crucial step towards securing my place in the final of the Southwestern Open, the season’s very first Gold event.
The match was nothing short of intense, a true test of skill, strategy, and determination. Nada Abbas had been a giant killer throughout the tournament, making our showdown even more captivating. We went head-to-head, rallying back and forth in a five-game thriller.
Each point was hard-fought, and I had to dig deep into my training and experience to navigate through the challenge. In the end, I managed to secure victory, earning my spot in the final of the Southwestern Open. It was a moment of immense satisfaction and pride, knowing that the hard work and dedication I had poured into my game had paid off.
During my conversation with Squash Site, I expressed, “It’s a great feeling Nada recently defeated two of my teammates in the last two days. So, on behalf of Team USA, it was essential for me to secure the win. I have to give her all the credit; she’s performing at a level well beyond her ranking. I’m confident she’ll continue to climbthe rankings, and I look forward to facing her on the court again soon.”
The Final Match:
The final match against Nour El Tayeb from Egypt was nothing short of fierce, marking the 25th encounter in our decade-long rivalry. Our history goes back to our early days in the sport when we first crossed paths as competitors in the British Jr. U15 category. Little did we know that our squash journeys would remain intertwined for so many years to come.
As we transitioned into the professional circuit, our encounters became even more intense. We were no longer just peers; we were seasoned professionals competing for titles and rankings. Each match against Nour was a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude, defined by mutual respect and a drive to bring out the best in each other.
Today, Nour emerged as the champion, showcasing her tenacity and skill on the court. While I may have been the runner-up this time, I take immense pride in the progress and growth I have experienced throughout our long journey together.
Next Stop
The life of a professional squash player is a relentless pursuit of excellence, where every game demands unwavering focus and unyielding dedication. Each match is a new challenge, and staying at the top requires an unrelenting commitment to pushing boundaries, mastering skills, and maintaining peak performance. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination that define the world of professional sports, where the pursuit of greatness is an unending journey.
Now I am ready for my next stop on this World Tour: The US Open in Philadelphia from October 7-14
Love
