Alex Robertson reports
Hi there,
I hope you all had a great Christmas and that you’re looking forward to the New Year!
Since I did a bit of reflection for last week’s edition, I thought it would only be right to give some predictions for 2025.
I’m hoping that all 6 will have come to fruition before the end of the year, meaning that all players will have had the second half of this season to build more ranking points, followed by an end of season break at Summer, and then another half of a season before 2026 begins.
I’ve tried to be optimistic but not too outlandish at the same time…
Enjoy!
Looking Ahead: 6 Predictions For 2025
Joel Makin: Top 5 Dreams
Joel Makin has been on fire this season, sitting at World No.6 and looking like a man on a mission. He hasn’t radically changed his game, but everything he does is sharper: his target-hitting is precise, his attacking play more deadly, and his confidence levels sky-high. Fitness? Impeccable. Consistency? Rock solid.
Breaking into the top 5 is a realistic goal, but it won’t be easy. Mazen Hesham (World No.5) is playing the best squash of his career, and Joel’s most recent clash with Hesham at the US Open ended in a tight 3-0 loss. However, Joel has Paul Coll (World No.4) in his pocket, beating the New Zealander twice this year. The top three—Farag, Asal, and Elias—may be a step too far in 2025, but Makin’s work ethic and tenacity make him a safe bet for the top 5.
Whether he stays there? That’s the next chapter.
Curtis Malik: Climbing to Top 20
At just 25, Curtis Malik has been climbing the ranks faster than anyone expected. He’s gone from outside the top 100 in early 2022 to World No.35 today, and his blend of precision, efficient movement, and squash smarts is turning heads. Curtis has been rubbing shoulders with top 20 players more regularly, learning their tricks and raising his game.
The Malik family squash boot camp (yes, they’re all ridiculously talented) clearly works wonders, and Curtis’s hunger for improvement is clear. If he keeps this upward trajectory and secures some big wins in higher-tier tournaments, the top 20 is well within reach.
Watch this space.
Amina Orfi: A Teenage Force to Reckon With
Egypt’s Amina Orfi is only 17 but already ranked World No.8. Let that sink in. She’s got it all: agility, power, intelligence, and fearlessness. Her meteoric rise from outside the top 150 in 2022 to the top 10 today is nothing short of extraordinary.
Amina’s standout performances, like her thrilling win over Hania El Hammamy, prove she’s not just a future star—she’s a current one. However, breaking into the top 5 requires consistency against the very best, including players like Gohar and El Sherbini, who remain her biggest challenges.
If she can keep her focus and build on her successes, 2025 could be the year Orfi cements her place in squash’s elite.
Mostafa Asal: Back to No.1?
Love him or hate him, Mostafa Asal is impossible to ignore. The 23-year-old “Raging Bull” is currently World No.2, and while Ali Farag (World No.1) seems immovable, Asal’s raw power, aggression, and improved mental game make him a genuine threat. Working with James Willstrop has clearly had a calming influence, and Asal’s discipline has improved, though his fiery personality still lights up the court.
He’s beaten Farag multiple times and thrives in big moments, making him one of the few players capable of dethroning the reigning king. Whether it’s in 2025 or beyond, expect Asal to keep pushing for the top spot.
Olivia Weaver: Eyeing the Big Three
Olivia Weaver (formerly Feichter) has had a breakout 2024, climbing from World No.7 to No.4 with a mix of athleticism, strategy, and relentless mental toughness. She’s tantalizingly close to breaking the stranglehold of squash’s “Big Three” (Gohar, El Sherbini, El Hammamy).
Olivia has come close to beating the top trio, and one victory could be the catalyst she needs to truly believe she belongs. Her ability to mix pace, adapt her strategy, and thrive in high-pressure matches makes her a genuine contender.
2025 could see her disrupt the status quo—but it won’t come without a fight.
Sam Osborne-Wylde: The New Kid on the Block
At just 20 years old, England’s Sam Osborne-Wylde is making waves. Currently World No.122, the Rob Owen protégé only joined the PSA in February, but his fearless, dynamic style suggests he’s destined for big things. Expect him to crack the top 100—and maybe even the top 80—in 2025 as he adjusts to the professional circuit and picks up a few upset wins along the way. This is just the start for Sam.
With rising stars and established names all chasing new heights, 2025 promises to be an electrifying year for squash fans. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!
