South Western Open: Sobhy Books Last Four Spot

United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy became the first player at the 2023 South Western Open Presented by Cotidié to book her spot in the semi-finals after she dispatched World No.26 Emily Whitlock in straight games at the Houston Squash Club.

Whilst Whitlock got the win the last time the pair met in May’s Manchester Open – with Sobhy retiring injured mid-way through the second game – the American put in a clinical performance in Houston and stormed to an 11-6, 11-4, 11-2victory to avenge that defeat.

Sobhy hit her targets at the front and back of the court, taking the ball in positively and unleashing an onslaught of attacking squash against her opponent. 

Whitlock showed signs of growing into the match at the back end of the opening game, but any comeback was quickly quelled by Sobhy as she powered into an 8-0 lead in the second, eventually converting to double her lead.

Sobhy was in the zone in the third game too as the World No.5 closed out the win in 25 minutes to set up a last four meeting with either compatriot Olivia Fiechter or Egypt’s Nada Abbas.

“That felt clinical, which is nice in a tournament,” said Sobhy afterwards.

“The last couple of times I played Emily I was injured, so I was looking forward to having a match where I was healthy and where I could redeem myself a little bit for those last couple of times. I felt good out there, so that’s nice and gives me confidence going into the semis.

“I think I learned that the first couple of points that she won came when she was volleying it, so I had to get it away from her volley and play it a little bit lower, tighter and wider. I’ve had a few nicks in the last couple of days, which is nice, it shows my length is pretty good here. I’m happy with my depth and my game at the moment, so I’m just going to keep going.

“I have a really strong team around me, I love being based in Florida full time now and I love the team I’m working with. We’re really excited about the progress and I’m enjoying my game, which is nice. I’m going into every tournament feeling like I can win, so that’s what I’m doing here this week.”

Result

[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [8] Emily Whitlock (WAL) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 11-2 (25m)