“This decision has been on my mind a while” – Alexandra Fuller On Retirement And Future Plans

Earlier this week, South Africa’s Alexandra Fuller announced that she has retired from professional squash.

Fuller, 30, reached a highest ranking of World No.22 in October 2022 and played over 200 matches on the PSA Tour. Since making her debut on the PSA Tour in 2013, Fuller claimed a total of nine titles, five of which came in a breakthrough 2017/18 season, which, in turn, helped catapult her into the world’s top 50 ranked players.

The Cape Town-born player is also a four-time national champion, capturing the title in 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

We spoke to Fuller to discuss her retirement, career highlights, and what lies in store in the future.

What brought you to the decision to retire?

Fuller: “This decision has been on my mind for a while. I have been weighing up the way I was feeling about competing and my love for the game for a long time. I just got to a point where I had had enough touring, being alone, competing and figured I was ready for the next chapter of my life.

“The thought of what’s next made me more excited than competing, and for me, this has been the right decision for me. I have been competing for ten years, and it’s been an absolutely amazing experience with many highs and lows, new friendships and a lot of learnings.”

What will you miss the most about life on tour?

“Overall, I am so grateful for all the connections, networks and amazing people I have met along the way from different countries. These connections are invaluable.

“The thing I’m going to miss most is going to be the friends I made on tour. I knew I would see them every other week, and now the thought of maybe not seeing them for years is sad. Touring around the world is also something I will miss, but the travelling got a lot for me at the end of my career.”

What were some of your favourite events that you played at during your career?

Fuller: “I always loved playing in El Gouna. I loved the place, I generally had really good tournaments there and played well.

“Paris was a special place to play, and there was always loads to do around the city when we weren’t playing matches, which was a good distraction. In terms of tournament facilities, hotel and experience – Qatar will also be one I won’t forget.”

Is there anybody in particular who you’d like to thank for their support down the years?

Fuller: “I would like to thank my parents for allowing me this opportunity when I wanted to go professional in 2013, their support has been second to none.

“My coaches through the years have been valuable to me, and I would not be the player I am without their valuable insight.

“Namely, Mark Allen, Paul Atkinson and Angus Kirkland. My sponsors throughout my career have been so supportive and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been backed by Head for all my equipment and LuckyinLove for my gorgeous outfits. There have been a lot of people throughout my career who have helped me afford playing, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their support.”

Moving forward, are you going to stay in the sport of squash or venture into a new career path?

Fuller: “My next chapter is still one I am working on

“I have taken some time to enjoy this career break. It has been a very busy 10 years on the tour and I needed this time to just decompress. I have a couple of options on the horizon, so we will see what transpires. I am excited for what is in store and what the next chapter brings.”