Ali Farag says he “surprised myself big time” with the quality of squash he played in his opening match at the Black Ball Open.
Farag had been out for around four months with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) before competing in last month’s Pittsburgh Open.
That event saw the world number 3 sink to an 80-minute defeat against Youssef Soliman as he looked to recapture his sharpness.
“Everything clicked today a lot better than I expected,” Farag said in a post-match interview following his second-round win over Mohamed Abouelghar at Black Ball last night.
“I haven’t played that well since I got back, not even in practice.”
Farag credited the victory to the team of physios, doctors and fitness trainers that have nursed him back to match fitness, including PSA physio Derek Ryan.
“I’ve driven him crazy, as I’ve always done. But I wouldn’t be here without him,” he said.
‘Ali Farag’s non-doctor doctor’
Farag also doffed his cap to Abouelghar, who is also on the comeback trail following a long injury layoff.
“Mohamed has had a similar injury – to a greater extent unfortunately for him. So he’s been my non-doctor doctor and I’ve been texting him every day.
“He’s on the comeback. I saw him playing so well in Pittsburgh. It’s great to have him back on the tour because he’s a great asset on the tour. He plays a brand of squash that no one else does.”
