By Fram Gommendy
From the first time I saw her on a backcourt in Wadi Degla, I firmly believed the Gazelle, speaking fluent French/English/Arabic and pursuing a degree in marketing at the American University in Cairo, was going to be one of the shining stars of World Squash and in my humble opinion, World Number One.
I remember the night she beat my compatriot Camille Serme in the World Champs Quarters, back from 2/0 down and 11/9 in the 5th after 69m of one of the most beautiful battles I ever saw, in front of the Pyramids. That moment, I felt the unstoppable success wheel was in motion.
The Future will tell if I was right…
Fram chats with the Gazelle
Girl, let’s start with the bad. Worst Memory?
Worst moment is losing in the 2022 world championships quarters against Nour El Tayeb.
Regrets?
My most vivid regret would be putting too much pressure on myself and not being patient enough.
Memorable Scalps?
I think it all started when I first got a win over the GOAT Nicol David in Chicago, being 2/0 down and then winning that match.
But also, coming from 2/0 games against Camille (report) in the quarters of the Wolds in front of the pyramids was even a bigger motive for me, giving me the confidence needed in my abilities.
Proudest Achievement?
“So far, that would be winning the Hong Kong Open, coming through all my Egyptian competitors in tough games, especially beating both World number 1 & 2 to clinch the title.
“But my best memory of squash so far is winning the British Open in 2022.
“I’ve always had a great career in the British junior open. But winning the senior one, also called “The Wimbledon of Squash”, and having my first proper win against Gohar in that final made the whole experience unforgettable.
And last words: how would you like people to remember you?
“I hope they remember my fairness and fighting spirit, no matter how down I was.”
