James Willstrop: a unique squash career & enduring legacy

UNSQUASHABLE player and ambassador James Willstrop continues to defy expectations.

In a sport where youthful vigour often shines briefly before fading, the 41 year-old Englishman remains a prominent figure, both on the court and off it.

His game mirrors his philosophy: composed, articulate, and deliberate. James Willstrop moves with a grace that belies his age, constructing rallies like a novelist builds a story – full of rhythm, nuance, and emotional crescendo.

“It’s a battle, yes, but it’s also a story that unfolds between two people. That’s what makes squash so special. It’s intimate, it’s dramatic. You can’t hide on that court, and the crowd feels everything.”

Willstrop’s view of squash as a form of expression, rather than merely a competition, underpins his coaching ethos. He shuns formulaic instruction, instead guiding players towards uncovering their own unique identities on court.

“Every player has their own story, their own way of playing. As a coach, my job is to help them tell that story, to guide them to the best version of themselves.”

His foray into coaching was not the result of a calculated career change, but a natural evolution. Following the death of his father, Malcolm Willstrop, a legendary figure in British squash, James assumed a mentoring role at Pontefract Squash Club, the very place where his own journey began.

Malcolm’s coaching methods were unconventional, focusing as much on a player's mental state and emotional resilience as on technique. James has carried forward that legacy while developing his own style, merging experience at the sport’s elite level with an empathetic understanding of each player.

“Malcolm was the most understanding person I know. My dad could see the bigger picture, he was massively perceptive.

He knew that it wasn’t just about what happened on the court – it was about the travel, the personal issues, the state of your mind.

He wasn’t just coaching squash players; he was coaching people, and that’s what made him great. He had this brilliant ability to know when to push you and when to let you rest.”

Willstrop says he has absorbed much from his father but added his own insights, particularly in understanding psychology.

“Most of the stuff is psychology. It’s understanding the difference between players and how they think, what motivates them, what scares them – helping players understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their game.”

A prime example of Willstrop’s coaching influence is his work with Mostafa Asal. At 23, the Egyptian phenom has already captured major titles, yet his career has been marred by disciplinary issues and multiple suspensions. Seeking a new direction, Asal turned to Willstrop, whose firm values of respect, fairness, and discipline offered a much-needed counterbalance.

“When Mostafa came to me, I wasn’t sure what to expect because he needed drastic action,” Willstrop says.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I could see why he wanted to work with me. I’m extreme about these things. I don’t tolerate bad behaviour.

I told him from the beginning, if you don’t respect the game, I can’t work with you. It’s that simple. You have to play the right way. Otherwise, it doesn’t mean anything.”

Those early sessions revealed both Asal’s immense raw ability and the deeper issues at play.

“There is a win-at-all-costs mentality in some training environments, especially in Egypt, that can encourage behaviours on the court that wouldn’t be acceptable elsewhere,” Willstrop notes.

“It was clear that he needed a reset on how he approached the game, especially in terms of his movement and his respect for opponents.”

Yet Willstrop’s method was not about blunt correction but thoughtful introspection.

“It wasn’t just about telling him what he was doing wrong. It was about getting him to understand why it was problematic,” he explains.

“He had to relearn how to approach situations on the court.”

Asal, to his credit, embraced the challenge.

“He was receptive, which is the most important thing. He knew something had to change, and he was willing to listen.”

Willstrop’s mentoring has helped smooth Asal’s rougher edges. The fiery persona remains, but it is now tempered by greater composure and tactical intelligence. The comparisons to boxing legend Cus D’Amato and his mentorship of Mike Tyson are not lost on squash observers.

“It’s not about changing who he is,” Willstrop says. “He’s got this incredible personality, this fire – I don’t want to take that away. That’s what makes him special.

But I want him to channel it the right way, to use it as a strength rather than a weakness.”

With victories at the British Open and Paris Open under his belt since working with Willstrop, Asal’s on-court transformation has been tangible. But to Willstrop, the real progress lies in his mental shift.

“He’s not just playing better, he’s thinking better. That’s what’s going to make him great. But it’s still a process. Mostafa isn’t there yet – he’s still a long way from the finished article – but he’s getting there.”

Willstrop's influence reaches far beyond elite players. He is just as often seen working with beginners, including children taking their first steps on court. Regardless of experience level, his philosophy remains the same: to help each player find their own path and enjoy the journey.

“I think kids should be allowed to enjoy squash on their own terms. It’s about developing a passion for the sport and building a connection to it, rather than worrying about results at such a young age.”

“Working with kids teaches you patience,” Willstrop says with a smile. “They don’t have the same focus as a professional athlete, obviously, but they’re just as passionate in their own way. And that passion is what you have to tap into.”

Now, with his own children stepping onto the court, Willstrop is mindful of not projecting expectations onto them.

“I want them to play it for their own enjoyment because that’s what will keep them playing for life – and that is just as, if not more important, than coaching someone who is winning titles at the very top level."

His ability to connect with players of all levels speaks to his depth of knowledge and adaptability.

“You learn so much from coaching kids. They teach you patience, they remind you of the joy of learning something new. And that helps me when I’m working with top-level players as well. It keeps me grounded, keeps me focused on what really matters.”

Despite his coaching commitments, Willstrop remains an active competitor, taking on younger players on the PSA World Tour with surprising frequency.

“I don’t know why I keep doing it,” he laughs. “There are times when I think, ‘Why am I putting myself through this?’ But then I step on the court, and I remember why.

It’s the love of the game, the thrill of competition. I don’t care about winning as much as I used to. I just enjoy the process, the challenge.”

Willstrop has adapted his playing style to suit his evolving capabilities, trading youthful explosiveness for tactical acumen and positional awareness.

“What I’ve lost in physicality, I’ve gained in experience and understanding,” he says. “I’m smarter about how I play now.”

His continued presence in the professional game also enhances his coaching credentials.

“When you’re still playing, you have a firsthand understanding of what the players are experiencing – the pressure, the nerves, the physicality. It helps me relate to my players and gives me a different kind of credibility as a coach.”

Willstrop’s impact on squash is broad and lasting. He has lived the game with elegance, humility, and integrity – and it is these values he seeks to instil in others.

“I want my players to be successful, of course. But more than that, I want them to be good people, to approach the game with integrity, and to understand that how you win is just as important as winning itself.”

His legacy will not be defined solely by rankings or silverware, but by the respect he commands and the lives he has touched.

“Squash is just one part of their lives, but the lessons they learn here can shape who they become,” he says. “As long as I feel like I’m contributing to the game, I’ll keep going. Because it’s given me so much, and I want to keep giving back.”

In James Willstrop, squash has found not only a master of the court but a true custodian of the sport’s soul.