[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-0 Cristina Gomez (ESP) 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 (21m)
Nour
“It feels good, I am really happy to be back. A good first match for me and I am so excited for this week,”
“I am trying to have no nerves this week, putting all the negative thoughts out of my mind. I am feeling good, my body is good, physically way better than three months. I am just happy with the way I am playing now. No pressure, no stress, just try to relax and play the best squash I can this week.
“It is always tricky playing on an outdoor court. we have been in this situation before. In Gouna, I played in worse conditions than today, so I am happy with today. It wasn’t that windy inside the court, so for my match, I think it was good. It is tricky to play on a court like this, but hopefully I can battle through more like this!”
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 3-0 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 (30m)
Ali
“First rounds are always tricky, especially if you are playing at a new venue, and if it is outdoors because you have to adapt to the conditions of the court. I had that in mind coming into the match today. I knew the first game was only to the back two corners to try and find my groove. At least I found it, put some work into his legs, and then I went short a lot quicker in the second and third.
“Every player now moves really well but they all have holes in their movement somehow so you try to look at them. I watched him play in Manchester and he played brilliantly well, so I watched with a lot of focus, on how I wanted to play today.
“The danger I always myself. If I feel alright, I have the belief that I can beat anyone on my day. I hope I can put six of those performances in a row. I can only focus on the next match, either Yahya Elnawasany or Cesar [Salazar], I don’t know who, but that will be my primary focus for now!”
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-0 Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 11-7, 11-7, 11-4 (33m)
Hania
“It’s good to be back at the World Champs. What an opportunity for any player to be playing in such a huge tournament.
“First round, playing against Sana, she is very tricky, very dangerous and she likes to attack a lot. I had to be sharp and to control the nerves to get through the first round.
“I know Sana, we both played a lot of juniors together, so I knew what to expect. She is very flexible and her swing flows a lot. You can wait for a drive and then you find a boast. You have to be sharp and stay alert in the middle of the court.
“As much as I love playing outdoors, it is very tricky and one day you can find the court very good, another day it is very weird. It can change from one match to another so it really depends on how alert you are and how prepared you are for the conditions.”
[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-0 Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 (38m)
Asal
“I love playing here. I love playing in front of this crowd, my friends, my family, so thank you for coming, supporting me on the first day, the first round. I will arrive at my goal, and drive at the trophy,” Asal said.
“We do Ramadan for all the Muslims, so it is tough for us. To get in shape is also tough and do it during Ramadan is even tougher. During COVID as well has probably affected it a bit but I am here to perform, I am here in front of everyone here, it is almost 10pm and the guys are still here cheering for me.
“I love how the kids are reacting to me. Almost seven years to get on his court. I played lots of juniors, lots of PSA tournaments to get here. To be honest, it is hard but if you are committed then you will get here.”
