Squash Does It Right At Racquet X
Last year I explored the question, Does Squash Need To Participate In The Hype at Racquet X? Admittedly, I did it in a round about manner. In our group at Maspeth, this topic is probably most relatable to my experiences with squash. The steel court for me is a crossroads for racquet disciplines. It’s my access to the game, claiming time that could be filled playing other sports like paddleball, racquetball, pickleball and paddle-tennis. Squash for me is a wonderful game, added to life because it positively contributes to my overall skill set and lifestyle.
My end take last year:
“I see two possible points of view on squash participating in this new and promising event. No doubt the event would love squash to have a bigger presence at the table with the olympics in play. Yet, there are no signs that anyone will be willing to spend big money here. Either way, squash is in a great position to utilize applicable industry advances and develop momentum heading into LA28.
Attending. The obvious would be gaining knowledge about what sporting contemporaries are doing to facilitate and activate their explosive growth. Think technology, celebrity and effervescent adornment driving the feel of this event.
Presenting. I’m of the mind that if you can’t do it right, don’t do it. My idea of right is a beautiful glass court, teched out with the interactive jazz, and Olympic stickers… and a bigger ball (and maybe a racquetball racquet,) for callouts of players from other sports.”
Taken from the US Squash website, posted January 30, 2025:
"Debuting New Technology
During RacquetX, held at the Miami Beach Conference Center March 22-24 in Miami, FL, US Squash will unveil the latest technological advancements, including a brand-new court design, a quick-to-assemble all-glass squash court, on-court activations with clinics from pro players and new squash equipment and apparel.
Team USA in Action
Adding to the excitement, members of Team USA Squash will attend RacquetX to engage with fans and participate in exclusive exhibition matches. Their presence highlights the dedication and skill of American athletes and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of players.
A Shared Vision for Growth
“RacquetX is beyond excited to welcome US Squash and the the entire squash community to Miami in March. We are committed to serving the entire racquet sport ecosystem of which squash is a longstanding pillar. We hope to help squash continue its growth and promote the excitement around the LA Olympics in 2028,” says Robyn Duda, co-founder and CEO, RacquetX.
“We are excited to unveil innovations in the squash world alongside the dedicated racquet sport community. Improvements in technology and increased awareness of the sport continue to bode well for squash’s future as we look towards the LA28 Olympic Games,” says Kevin Klipstein, President and CEO, US Squash.
What’s Different This Year
My biggest question is what effect will this exposure have in this new booming space of alternative paddle sports? Adapt or die has been the play. As an example, major tennis events have given in to hosting demonstration exhibitions of these sports to stay relevant with club owners/developers. I however, believe squash is no longer in as bad a space, considering this current era of club court closures/conversions/reinvention.
Fitness is the measurable equivalent to me. Demonstrate that extended need for focus and performance. The tech already developed for the new glass courts, as well as technologies available for courts on the bubble at clubs, all well beyond testing and ready. The fitness equivalency lean, and the skill set development produced by squash should win big in any comparison talk… from my view here.
