Runa Reta - WISPA Squash Pro on Tour on www.squashtalk.com

... An Interview with Current World Champion and Leading Figure for Women's Squash, Nicol David ...

At the Qatar Classic this past December, I qualified into the main draw only to meet Nicol David in the first round. In an email from my mom, she wrote simply: “Well done. Saw you’re playing Nicol. You’re toast!” Now, if this had been any other player or situation, my mother’s remarks could have been construed as rather offensive and mildly unsupportive (for a parent anyway!) However, seeing as I had drawn to play Nicol an absurd number of times (without any success), and considering that both my parents and I had become well-acquainted with the David family over the past few years, the comment warranted a good laugh.

The ominous email remark was also taken in good humour because it was no secret that Nicol was in top form and in the midst of placing a final exclamation point at the end of what was a hugely successful 2005 season- her best yet. Having claimed the KL, Kuwait, Dutch and Malaysian Open titles in the first half of the year and making her way up to the #3 position in the world, it was abundantly clear to all those who have followed Nicol’s progress over time that her immense talent and hard work were barreling her towards the position that seemed destined for her all along- a spot at the top of the world rankings. By the time she picked up the British Open title (arguably the most prestigious event on tour) and added the Carol Weymuller Open to her list of accolades in the fall, everyone knew she would not end her season in any other way except with a bang. Indeed, despite all the pressure and high hopes following her onto the court in the finals of the World Open in Hong Kong, she claimed the victory, which simultaneously resulted in a #1 world ranking, and subsequent media frenzy across Malaysia.

So what has it taken for this young 22-year-old to get where she has in such a short period of time? What can we learn as aspiring squash players about what it takes to get to the top? In part 1 of this interview, I talk one-on-one with Nicol to find out the secrets to her success, the benefits of training in Amsterdam, and what the view is like from the top of the world rankings.

Runa Reta : You moved to Amsterdam in 2003 to work with coach and former top professional Liz Irving. What do you like most about this city, and what has Liz added to your game?
Nicol David: There is a very laid back feel to Amsterdam that gives you your own space, knowing that you can get your training done without the rush. It works out well for me, and obviously having Liz Irving here to work with helps bring the level of training up another notch.

Liz has brought so much to my game by opening my mind up to what top level squash is really made of. Every small detail is being looked at from head to toe, with a focus on the mechanics of the body, to perfect the technique. Also, she has showed me how to use my speed more efficiently onto the ball instead of running around like a headless chicken in every match! I get a lot of insight about the experiences she has been through that took her to the top and she passes down the knowledge to us girls training here. There is plenty to learn from her still…it’s very exciting!

RR: You still spend a lot of time back in Malaysia (generally going back in December – February, and again for a few months of the summer). What are the differences in training between Malaysia and Holland?
ND: My home in Malaysia is where I can work with the juniors back in Penang or the guys and girls in K.L to get my squash routines and match play going. In Holland, I’m working more on specific details of my game with Liz, so I have to make sure to get back there to stay on track and not lose too much of what we have worked on. The fitness and physical side of training is based on a program that I can do in both Malaysia and Holland, so it is pretty much a matter of putting in the effort to stick to the program.

RR: You had an incredible year in 2005, capping it off by winning the World Open and then becoming the #1 player in the world in the January 1st rankings. Use one word to describe what that felt like.
ND: UNREAL!

RR: Name the single most important thing that you credit with getting to where you are now.
ND: Definitely the continuous support that both my parents and the whole family has given me ever since I was young up until now, that has driven me to get to the top. Even through my studies and squash they have never put any pressure on me to perform and knew I would do my best to achieve my goals.

RR: In such a competitive sport, what do you think it will take to have longevity and remain at the top in the long run?
ND: Loving the progression of always wanting to improve myself to get better, and keeping that spirit going with nothing less than hard work in training.

RR: What was the single best piece of advice given to you (personally or squash-related)?
ND: Always give it your best and as long as you have done that, that’s all you can ask for.

RR: Who do you admire on tour (man or woman, past or present) and why?
ND: I think I admire nearly every top player in his or her own era because in each time period they had their own unique styles that made them the best. I would love to pick out the best feature in each individual, and make it my own.

RR: You won an unprecedented two world junior titles (in 1999 and 2001); as a young player, is there anything you did that helped put you a step ahead of the competition? (any advice for up-and-comers?)
ND: I would always just go into a game and enjoy it at that very moment, instead of looking at how important it was to win the titles. Focusing on the moment is better than thinking of how to play 6 matches to win a tournament. I think what helped me a lot to keep a simple focus when I was a junior was visualization the night before each match. Going through a game plan that will work for you gets you in the rhythm for the actual match.

RR: You’re viewed as arguably the quickest player ever on the womens tour- has that always been a natural trait, or have you put a lot of work into your speed?
ND: It was my thing since I was young and I could only depend on my speed because I was smaller than everyone else (and still am)! Even so, I do have to work on it more now to match the top girls. It’s a tough sport, so keeping up the work to maintain my quickness on court makes a big difference.

RR: If you had only one hour in a week to get on court, what would you work on?
ND: Try out a few new shots and play some volley or attacking nick shots from wherever I can play it.

RR: You’ve already accomplished more than anyone else at your age- British Open title, World Open title, 2 Junior titles, #1 spot – what are you looking to accomplish now?
ND: My main goals are performance-based. I’m looking to bring up my level of performance in every aspect possible and keep challenging myself with it. Of course, there is the Commonwealth Games Gold medal to work for the next time too.

Despite having accomplished so much at such a young age, Nicol David is clearly only at the beginning of her journey as a squash player, with many bright prospects in her future. Other than the titles (which she has many more to claim), she has hinted that excellence does not solely rest on being #1 in the world, by voicing a determination to push the boundaries of the game and set new benchmarks for herself and for womens squash in general. It seems fitting that Nicol was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in Malaysia, (in the lead-up to Athens) for it foreshadowed this very moment in time, when she would claim herself leader of the pack and bear the responsibility of blazing a trail forward for the rest of us to follow. If she continues at the blistering pace of achievement and accomplishment that she has been going at up until now, her close competitors will either have to step up their own games, or face being left behind in a hurry. Either way, Nicol’s presence is bound to lead to exciting developments and dynamic reinventions in the game of womens squash. Watch out for this young Malaysian phenom; I guarantee that the best is still yet to come…

In part 2 of the interview, find out what really makes Nicol David tick, on and off the court.