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We talk with
World Champ (2007), three times British Open winner, former number one of the WISPA world tour and
so on....(to many records and winnings for counting). Rachael Grinham is
recognized for her mathematic game and strategic plan's. She's fit (let me
tell you... not and ounce of fat), Rachael can adapt herself to any kind of
game her opponents put in court. And on of top of that she's smart and
beautiful. What else can i say?
SQF: At what age did you start to play squash…
RG:
I can’t
say at exactly what age I began playing, I basically grew up at the squash
club so was on the court as soon as I was able to walk and hold a racket, even
hitting the ball along the floor at about age 3. I played my first junior
tournament when I was 7yrs old.
SQF: You must be an icon for the youths in your country, how it’s feel?
RG:
Wouldn’t say I’m an icon! Maybe I would be looked up to by the squash-playing
youths, which is flattering I guess. But I don’t focus on that kind of thing.
I’m not the kind of person to enjoy being in the spotlight.
SQF: What do you tell to does youth fan’s of yours…
RG:
Just to
enjoy it. Squash is such a great game. I’ve been in love with it forever. In
my opinion no other sport compares to it.
SQF: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
RG:
It’s
hard to say. I think in 5yrs time I would probably be done with playing
squash professionally. I would like to have moved back to Australia at that
point (I’ve been based abroad for 10yrs now) but at this point am still unsure
of what I would be doing with myself by then.
SQF: How do you manage a private life with all the travel you do?
RG:
It’s
difficult I guess. I don’t really have much of a “private life” away from
squash. Most of my friends are squash players themselves. My life pretty much
revolves around squash. It’s a sacrifice I guess but I don’t regret it, I
really enjoy the lifestyle of traveling and I’ve made some great friends over
the years.
SQF: Who are your coach and your main training partners?
RG:
I’m
based in Egypt at El Ahly club. I don’t really have a “coach” anymore. I train
with the national girls and junior boys and girls here. In Egypt I train with
the top national girls, Omneya Abdel Kawy, Engy Kheirallah, Raneem Elweleilly,
and U/17 boys whenever I can. I also train with my sister Natalie (World #2)
whenever I get the chance to spend time in Holland where she’s based.
SQF:
Tell us what your biggest victory so far has been?
RG:
Tough
call depending on how you look it. I would have to say winning the World Open
Championship this year has been my biggest Title achievement. But beating
Nicol David 3-2 in the final to take the British Open Title for the 3rd
time is probably my most satisfactory match win.
SQF: Which players do you admire especially?
RG:
Heather
McKay will always big my biggest idol in squash. Her record is out of this
world. Unfortunately I’ve never had the opportunity to see her play. When I
joined the World Tour and saw top players for the first time I idolized Cassie
Jackman. I also admired Fiona Geaves and Sue Wright – very good tactical
players.
Extra Points:
SQF: What are you doing to relax (have fun) when you are not in tour
RG:
Nothing. Haha. Obviously training takes up most of my time when not touring
but when I get the chance to relax I just like to go to the beach and chill
out. It’s nice to be able to do “nothing” sometimes.
SQF:
What’s your favorite
food and drink
RG:
Ooooh I like lots of stuff. I love to eat! I’m a
big meat-eater, love steak. Also really like Indian and Sushi restaurants.
Drink? Alcoholic or non?
J
Favorite alcoholic drink is a caipirinha… non-alcoholic would have to go with
coke and water.
SQF: What do you think squash needs to become a bigger sport worldwide.
RG:
Definitely to be a part of the Olympics. Without that it’s hard for squash to
get any recognition in big sporting countries where squash is not so popular.
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