Marwan ElShorbagy reaches U.S. Open semi-finals and thanks Rodney Martin for reviving his career

By Alan Thatcher

October 13, 2022 - 4:14am

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‘I’ve had 11 good seasons on Tour so I can forgive myself one bad one’
By ALAN THATCHER (Squash Mad Editor)

Marwan ElShorbagy spoke highly of his work with coach Rodney Martin after reaching the semi-finals of the U.S. Open by beating fellow Egyptian Youssef Soliman. 

ElShorbagy, who meets top seed Ali Farag in the semi-finals in Philadelphia tomorrow, revealed: “Last season was really hard on me. Dealing with with it, I lost a lot of motivation, but I never gave up.

“I was still pushing myself in training, but I wasn’t really getting the results. I’ve been on the PSA for 12 years. I’ve had 11 good seasons so, one bad season, I’m sure I can forgive myself for that.”

Former world champion Martin also works with women’s world No.1 Nouran Gohar and ElShorbagy says that teaming up with the Australian legend, who was rated one of the most skilful players of his generation, has helped to revive his career.

Marwan, aged 29 and based in Bristol, added: “I’ve made a lot of changes, and started training with Rodney, which is to be honest one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.

“I really enjoy working with him, his training is so intense but we get through the session with a smile on our faces always because we’re still enjoying it.