“I don’t fear anyone. I think I can beat anyone on my day” says Youssef Ibrahim, who’s back in the top 20 and hungry for more

One of the most skilful players on the tour Youssef Ibrahim has moved back inside the World’s top 20 for the first time since 2022 this month after putting together strong performances this season. The talented Egyptian defeated World No.7 Mazen Hesham at the Grasshopper Cup and came very close to scoring another victory over Mohamed Elshorbagy at the QTerminals Qatar Classic and Singapore Squash Open.

Ibrahim isn’t placing too much importance on being back inside the top 20 and explains that performances are the true indicator of his current level:

“I don’t think I’m playing my best squash at the minute,” says Ibrahim.

“I’ve got a lot of room for improvement but I think I am getting closer to that top level. Top 20 sounds good, I’m playing more events now because I’m not injured but I don’t focus too much on my ranking as an indictor, more on the matches I’m playing. I think I’m getting closer to the top guys and I think my best squash is yet to come.

Ibrahim is one of the most attacking players on the PSA World Tour and is capable of hitting outrageous winners from any area of the court. He admits that he gets nerves before playing sometimes but feels he can beat anyone on his day.

“Whenever I play against anyone, I have the same attitude. I’m attacking and I don’t fear anyone. I get nerves before each match but I don’t feel like I fear anyone and I think I can beat anyone on my day. I don’t know how other players feel playing against me but I never doubted myself and I never doubt my squash. I’m just happy that I’m heading in the right direction.

The 24-year-old last claimed a title in 2019 at the Growthpoint S.A Open Challenger 10 event and is yet to claim a World Tour title. Ibrahim doesn’t place too much importance on this fact but feels a title isn’t too far away.

“It’s been a while since my last title, but I don’t think about it at all. I haven’t been a full time professional until 2 years ago and I’ve been injured for a lot of that so that may be a reason why. Yes, five years is a long time without a title but I don’t focus on that, I’ll focus on my squash and taking care of my body to keep me going for a long time. Playing tournaments and getting good wins is all I think about but I definitely think that a title is coming soon.

“I feel like I’m working on my consistency and discipline. I think that’s the main thing that’s missing from my game. I know I can put on a really good performance but can sometimes struggle to replicate that earlier in draws or against lower ranked players. I’m just trying to get myself as consistent as the top players but I don’t think I have a lot to change in my game, just making it more consistent so I can get to later stages and try to play my best in the big moments.

The only World Tour final that Ibrahim has reached was at the 2022 Windy City Open, losing out to Paul Coll 3-2 in the final. As the 2024 edition starts tomorrow, Ibrahim is excited to return to his favourite city in the U.S.

“I’m very much looking forward to coming back to the Windy City. Chicago is my favourite city in the US. I had a great run there in 2022, reaching the final and I’m looking forward to playing on that court again. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the people, the vibe there and I’m really excited to be back and hopefully have another good run.”

You can watch Ibrahim in the Windy City Open 2024 live on SQUASHTV. His first match is on the all-glass court at 19:45 (GMT-6).