2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships officially opens in Melbourne

Last night's Opening Ceremony of the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships, which commence today, saw more than 240 players from 33 nations descend on the Australian Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

The Junior World Championships have long been a launching pad for the best players in the world to embark on their senior careers, with the likes of Australian former World No.1s Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Rachael Grinham on the impressive honour roll from the tournament.

Australian team co-captains Erin Classen (WA) and Madison Lyon (QLD) officially opened the tournament.

Among the dignitaries present at the Ceremony were Zena Wooldridge OBE, World Squash Federation President, Craig Phillips AM, Commonwealth Games Australia Chief Executive and Robert Donaghue, Squash Australia Chief Executive.

Australian coach Cassie Thomas - another former World No.1 who won this tournament as a teenager - said the team had come together well prior to the event and are primed to get the competition underway.

Having played in a number of World Junior Championships previously, Classen said the opportunity to play such a big event at home presents a unique opportunity for the 12-strong Australian team.

“I think this one probably is a highlight,” said Classen. “To play for your country at your home ground is just amazing, and your friends and your family can come and watch you as well so you just feel more like home and hopefully you’ll play better as well representing your country.”

The men’s and women’s singles competitions start on Tuesday 18th July at Melbourne Sports Centres with the first matches commencing at 11am. The singles competitions will be decided on Sunday 23rd July, with action from Monday to Saturday next week taking place in the women’s teams event.