Nick is playing the best squash of
his life after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him
of court for a large part of last year. He is seeded number
seven this week but that is a false ranking. He is certainly the
man in form at the moment and really hungry after last year’s
injury.
 He
is one of the most exciting guys to watch on the tour at the
moment, playing exceptionally attacking but thoughtful squash at
a frantic speed. I saw him beat Ramy Ashour in New York recently
and, without giving away any secrets, he had clearly worked out
how to play him.
The great thing with Nick is that he is such a good professional
and works out what he needs to be doing and does it. As long as
he is fit he will test anyone to the limit.
Nick will be looking for a good performance this week to make up
for the disappointments on his previous visits when he has been
hampered by injury and fatigue.
The highlight of Nick’s career came in 2006 when he became the
first English-born winner of the British Open for 67 years,
beating Thierry Lincou 3-2 in the final.
In 2007 he won his maiden Super Series crown, the US Open,
beating fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop in a pulsating
final.
Towards the end of 2007 Nick led England to the World Team
Championship title in India but a brutal playing schedule caused
a major injury to his right shoulder and he was out of action
for eight months until making a winning return in the Dutch Open
in September.
He has recently won the Swedish Open and regained his National
title in Manchester, having also reached the finals of the
Tournament of Champions and the North American Open in Virginia. |
FACT FILE:
Current world ranking: 5
Highest: 5
Born: July 25, 1980 (Sheffield)
MAIN TITLES: 26 PSA finals including the British Open, US Open,
Swedish Open, Dutch Open and two British National crowns
Nick Matthew
Interview |
7
NICK MATTHEW (England)