Fram Gommendy reports:
Back in May 2024, Santa Barbara School of Squash Executive Director Robert Graham decided to start a FB page. And “Squash for Good“ was born.
Robert Graham reports
This Meet A Pro is a great friend who I watched move up the world rankings as I was coming to the end of touring, Peter Nicol.
Also, a practice partner when he was based in Essex, we used to play at the place where we’d practice next. I quickly found myself driving to him most (all?) of the time! Dang, he could take the ball early, and the more tired he got, the earlier he took it.
In later years, I was honoured that he played my Pro tournaments in Santa Barbara.
A true gentleman on court and an ambassador for squash, it’s great to see him thriving now on the business side of the game.
Thanks for being a guest, Peter!
1) What years did you compete professionally and what was your highest ranking?
1992-2006. Number one for five nonconsecutive years.
2) Top highlight of your career?
That’s hard to answer simply.
I would say I’m most proud of being the world’s best player for a long time. My single most standout victory was the Commonwealth Gold medal (which at the time was like an Olympic Gold) as it was the last single goal of my career, I retired afterwards.
3) Favorite tournament(s) you played in and why?
Two come to mind. The events on the Giza plateau in front of the three great Pyramids and the Sphinx—enough said, right?! The Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal—a phenomenal venue and atmosphere.
4) Favorite memory(ies) from the tour?
The relationships I made with really special people along the way, travelling all over the world and experiencing so many different cultures, room service at great hotels!
5) Who was the toughest opponent of your career and why?
I have two as my career spanned two generations of players. I caught the tail end of the 1980s players, and that’s when I came up against Jansher Khan, the 10-year world No.1. By that stage, as his physical powers waned, he was so technically and tactically astute. This made it a real battle as I was physically and mentally strong coming up against a wily older player.
The other player was my greatest rival, Jonathon Power. He was my polar opposite on the court: loud, emotional, a shot-maker, etc. It made for a great rivalry but was constantly challenging from both a playing and personal perspective.
6) Where are you from originally?
A small place called Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. ‘You can come from anywhere and make what you want out of life’ is my motto!
7) Age when you first started playing and what/who got you into it?
I started when a local club opened for the community. I played tennis and badminton (and all other sports)!) before, but squash was the No.1 racquet sport for me. i just loved the game’s all-encompassing nature.
😎 Where do you live now and what are you doing?
Just moved to New Jersey to be near our new Squash, Padel and Pickleball club. My wife Jessica and I run both our New York City squash club and the NJ location and I also still coach a decent amount of squash – which I love!
9) Do you still play?
I don’t play squash anymore but have gotten into Padel – which I play 3-5 times a week (-:
10) A former or current player you admire that might surprise people?
Jonathon Power as we disliked each other while competing. Internally, he is so similar to me; we share experiences, and he’s funny, intelligent, engaging. I now appreciate all the things that annoyed me when competing.
11) A coach of any era you admire and why?
My coaches:
My father, although not a squash player, supported me throughout my junior career.
Neil Harvey was my main coach throughout my professional career; he taught me the most and was pivotal in developing me from a junior to a serious senior player. He gave me the tools that allowed me to go from turning professional to becoming World No.1.
David Pearson (former England National coach and coach to Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro) worked on my technique when I was 17, and then became my primary coach again near the end of my career.
12) Advice to an up-and-coming Pro?
Be true to yourself and your personality. You have to play your type of game and have a swing pattern, movement technique, etc that fits you.
That means having a future goal—such as a general ranking or tournament result—then taking control of the whole process and using supporting staff to reach your end goal. It’s a very selfish mindset, but that is the reality; careers are short, and you must move quickly and decisively.
13) Thoughts on financing a professional career in squash?
Focus on what you want to achieve, and find supporters who can help you in all respects, including financially.
14) Thoughts on the future of squash and its Olympics inclusion?
Olympics are great but it’s only a single event. As a sport, we must use this momentum to showcase our best game at the Olympics. This requires continuous improvement, but we must also avoid thinking it will magically change the sport’s trajectory.
15) Best general squash advice to anyone?
If you fell in love with the game when you started, keep remembering that.
Especially when you are having tough times, tough losses, injury, etc. It’s a game at the end of the day and it should be enjoyed by everyone involved! Play!
Photos from SquashForGood FB
