‘It’s so special and I won’t feel under pressure’
By SEAN REUTHE
France’s World No.5 Camille Serme is relishing a return to Dubai when the ATCO PSA Dubai World Series Finals takes place from June 5-9 at the Emirates Golf Club.
The Frenchwoman has endured a frustrating season by her standards after a hugely successful 2016-17 campaign. She is looking forward to returning to Dubai and battling it out for a share of the lucrative $160,000 prize purse on offer, which is equal to the prize money on offer in the men’s tournament.
“It’s very exciting and I’m happy to go back to Dubai to play the World Series Finals,” said the 29-year-old. “It’s a new venue so that’s really exciting for the players. It feels special. I think everyone sees it as a bonus tournament after a long season.
“You are more relaxed on court and can enjoy it, and everyone comes with a guest or someone from their family so it’s really cool.”
Serme has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champion Laura Massaro, reigning World Champion Raneem El Welily and England’s Sarah-Jane Perry.
Last year the Frenchwoman was the top seed at the event after winning two World Series tournaments at the U.S. Open and Tournament of Champions. This year, Serme insists she is going to Dubai with no pressure.
“I’m really excited to be back and happy to be in the top eight, especially last year I was number one seed which was really special, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I just want to enjoy my squash again.”
The PSA World Series Finals features a best-of-three format up until the semi-final stage and Serme admitted she will have to be on her game from the outset.
“For me I don’t really prepare, I just keep on training normally and the only thing that changes is the best of three. You have to be ready from the first point, you don’t have time to not be ready. Except for that, I don’t prepare differently to any other tournaments.
“Last year the matches were really exciting and really close, even with eight or seven seeded players. I just think it’s really fun.”
World No.5 Serme will face England’s Sarah-Jane Perry on day one at 15:00. All times are local GMT +4.
The semi-finals are due to take place from 20:00 on June 8, while the finals will commence at 20:00 on June 9.
Every fixture will be shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe only), while the semi-finals and final will be broadcast on live mainstream channels across the globe, including BT sport, beIN Sports, Fox Sports Australia and Astro.
Tickets for the World Series Finals can be purchased via Platinumlist.
Tournament website: www.worldseriesfinals.com
Article by SEAN REUTHE (PSA PR and Media Manager). Edited by ALAN THATCHER
Pictures by PATRICK LAUSON and PSA