‘When you’re on court you need to make sure you take no prisoners’ – Q&A with world No1 squash star Nick Matthew | London Evening Standard

aura Massaro turned England’s second world champion this week. Right here, Nick Matthew welcomes her to the unique membership and eyes Commonwealth gold.

What’s it about England and squash in the mean time with you and Laura Massaro being world champions? Is it down to 1 coach [they are both coached by David Pearson]?

Dave’s accomplished lots for us and for squash on this nation as he was the nationwide coach for 15 years. We’ve had a golden era of gamers and hopefully we will encourage others to take up the game.

You’ve made it to tonight’s Canary Wharf Traditional Grand Remaining. How a lot do you get pleasure from enjoying in London and the place does it fee on the calendar?

By way of prize cash it sneaks into the highest 10 but it surely [the Courtwall all-glass court] is likely one of the finest locations to play and it’s packed out from the very first spherical. I’ve been fortunate sufficient to win it thrice and I additionally gained the British Open when it was held on the O2 one yr so I typically get pleasure from myself in London.

It appears you’re the Ben Ainslie of squash in that you’re a full distinction of characters on and off the courtroom. Is that honest?

Sure. While you’re on courtroom it’s essential to ensure you take no prisoners — you’re not their good friend. Away from it, I attempt to be as relaxed as attainable however when you open the door to the courtroom it’s like going to work. Most individuals take their work severely and mine is commonly not more than two hours, so I wish to make these two hours rely.

You’re 33 now. Is there a hazard you’re reaching the twilight years of your sport?

There are plenty of components as you become old reminiscent of having households and/or dropping motivation. Then there’s the pure ageing course of and, positive, I get the odd day of aches and pains. However then that’s counter-balanced by expertise. If the physique nonetheless holds up, that have counts for a hell of lots.

Speaking about households, you have got a child on the way in which…

Sure, in September, in order that’ll be a little bit of a change!

Properly deliberate to reach simply after the Commonwealth Video games?

I’m a stickler for element and timing! However the entire thing is superior, though it is available in waves. Generally you neglect about it after which typically you’re overwhelmed by it. We’re 16 weeks in and it’s getting extra actual. The following scan we’ll be capable of discover out whether or not it’s a boy or a woman.