Season Preview: What To Look Out For – Part One

As the new PSA season approaches, we’ve taken a look at some things to look out for this season that might just make the 2023/24 season the best that there’s ever been in PSA history. From new events on the calendar to opportunities for players, we’ve covered the main points across two parts.

The Paris Squash Event

We have to start with the season-opening Paris Squash, taking place between 27 August – 02 September across multiple venues in the stunning capital of France. The glass court will be held in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower at the Palais de Tokyo, with several home players looking to shine in the biggest French squash event in history.

With the event taking place at the end of August, the Platinum tournament will likely be the season opener for the majority of players, with the exception of the male players who are featuring in the Windsor Cup. The first major event of the season usually throws up some interesting results, with players not having a lot of match practice under their belt in the off-season. This was demonstrated in last season’s Qatar Classic, which saw many top seed casualties in the early rounds.

The event will be the first SQUASHTV event of the season and the coverage for squash fans around the world is set to be bigger and better than ever, with brand-new features being included to enhance the viewers’ experience.

Farag Has the Chance to Extend his Lead at the Top

Egypt’s Ali Farag sustained a knee injury in October last year at the U.S Open which forced him out of several events throughout November to February, losing him his World No.1 status and forcing him to sit on the sidelines and try to work his way back when he was fit and able. He did that in style as he returned to claim a first British Open title, retain his World title, win the Manchester Open, win the El Gouna International and reclaim his World No.1 crown.

At the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Farag’s only significant points to defend are the ones he currently has following his CIB Egyptian Open win and his runner-up finish at the U.S. Open.

But his early exit to Miguel Rodriguez in Qatar last season, plus his absence from the Hong Kong Open, Singapore Open and Tournament of Champions, leaves a lot of scope for the current World No.1 to dramatically extend his lead at the top of the tree.

Given the form that he finished last season with – and with a comprehensive run of pre-season training under his belt – can anyone topple Farag this season?

Women’s Event Returns to Qatar for the First Time in Eight Years

For the first time since 2015, this season’s Qatar Classic will feature a women’s event alongside the usual men’s event as 96 players descend on Doha to try to claim the two Platinum event titles on offer.

England’s Laura Massaro was the last woman to lift the trophy in Qatar as she overcame this year’s No.2 seed and reigning World Champion Nour El Sherbini in the final. A new name on the trophy will be guaranteed due to nobody in the women’s draw lifting the title in Qatar before. It also provides the players with another chance to collect precious World Tour points in a bid to gain momentum for the season ending World Tour Finals.

Mohamed ElShorbagy claimed the men’s title last year and will be determined to defend his title as he hopes to make a push to return to World No.1, a feat that he came very close to last season, and he has admitted he is desperate to do again before he retires.

As mentioned earlier, Ali Farag has a big opportunity to claim a good chunk of points due to his early exit last year. The same applies to New Zealand’s Paul Coll, who also lost out early last year, to local favourite Abdulla Al Tamimi. Coll has been drawn against Wales’ Joel Makin in the second round after both receiving first round byes.

The cooler court conditions in the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex always benefits players who showcase their attacking abilities and aim to hit the front corners earlier in rallies – that means it is likely to be an exciting tournament from start to finish. We’re hoping for the same again come September 10.

Watch it live on SQUASHTV.