Nick Matthew targets the World Champs, British Open and a fourth Commonwealth Games gold in his final season on tour
By ALAN THATCHER, Squash Mad Editor
Squash star Nick Matthew has announced that the 2017-2018 squash season will officially be his last playing season. The 37 year-old from Sheffield, Yorkshire is already classed as one of the most successful squash players of all time with three World Championship titles, three British Open crowns and three Commonwealth Games Gold Medals as well as 35 PSA World Tour titles and 19 months ranked No.1 in the PSA World Rankings.
The 2017 AJ Bell PSA World Championships in Manchester from 8-17 December and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia (squash competition 5-15 April) will be Matthew’s main focus for the season.
In an announcement posted on Nick Matthew’s You Tube channel ‘Nick Matthew Squash’ and through Matthew’s social media channels the squash star said:
“I have decided after a lot of thought and talking with family and friends, this is going to be my last season on the PSA World Tour. But it’s not sad, I’m really excited by the opportunity ahead in my last season ahead on the tour.
“We’ve got the World Championships in Manchester, I’ve got some amazing memories of the last time the Worlds was in Manchester. Then there are the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018. It’s one of my favourite events ever, pulling on that England shirt, and I’ll be doing everything in my power to win a fourth gold medal.
“Potentially my last tournament ever will be the British Open so what a way to finish, in my home country, one of the most traditional titles in squash.
“Looking back I’m so privileged to have met so many people and shared so many memories along the way. I’ve had all the threes, three World titles, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and three British Opens so hopefully I can get a fourth of one those this season.”
Matthew goes on to thank fans for their support over the years and reveals plans for the future: “A big, big thank you to all the squash fans out there who have supported me throughout my career at home and abroad. The support has been absolutely amazing.
“I think this is my 20th season on the World Tour, but I’ve been playing since the age of eight and have made so many friends around the world. Thank you to everyone for your support. Hopefully I’ll see you around the world this year if you can come to watch me in my last season.
“But you won’t get rid of me that easily as I will be involved in squash forever. I have started my squash academy in the UK and US, the Nick Matthew Academy, to help produce the next generation of talent as well as to grow our amazing sport that’s given me so much.”
NICK MATTHEW FACT FILE:
Three-time squash World Champion (2010, 2011, 2013)
Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2010 Singles and Doubles, 2014 Singles)
Three-time British Open squash champion (2006, 2009, 2012)
19 months ranked No.1 on PSA World Rankings (9th on all-time list)
35 PSA World Tour titles
Nine British National Squash titles
Awarded OBE (Order of British Empire) in 2015 for Services to Squash
Nick Matthew OBE is one of the greatest squash players of all time, having achieved all of the sport’s major honours three times apiece and been ranked World No.1 for a total of 19 months throughout his career. Nicknamed ‘the Wolf’ in honour of his merciless reputation on court, Nick is also renowned for his extraordinary athleticism, strength and fitness.
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