Best Squash Players of All Time: The Definitive List

The best squash players of all time are defined by their dominance at the World Open, sustained time at world number one, and their ability to reshape the sport. Jahangir Khan’s 555-match unbeaten run, Jansher Khan’s eight world titles, and Nicol David’s nine-plus years at world number one stand as the clearest benchmarks of all-time greatness in squash.

The Case for Jahangir Khan

No discussion of squash’s greatest begins anywhere but with Jahangir Khan. The Pakistani legend compiled a professional unbeaten streak of 555 matches between 1981 and 1986 — a record that stands across all professional racket sports. He won the World Open six times and the British Open ten times. Playing with a relentless, endurance-based style, Khan redefined what physical conditioning meant at the elite level and made the sport globally recognizable during the 1980s.

Jansher Khan: The Eight-Time World Champion

Often overshadowed by the fame of Jahangir, Jansher Khan — no relation — may have the stronger trophy cabinet. He captured eight World Open titles across a dominant run from the late 1980s into the 1990s. Jansher was known for extraordinary court coverage and tactical intelligence. His repeated victories over Jahangir Khan at the sport’s peak represent some of the most compelling head-to-head rivalries in squash history.

Nicol David: The Greatest Women’s Player

Nicol David of Malaysia set standards in the women’s game that may never be equalled. She spent over nine consecutive years ranked world number one and won the Women’s World Open eight times. Her combination of speed, technical precision, and mental composure made her the dominant force in women’s squash for more than a decade. She is widely regarded by players, coaches, and analysts as the greatest female squash player of all time.

Other All-Time Greats

Several other players belong in any serious conversation about the sport’s best.

Player	Country	World Opens	Era
Jahangir Khan	Pakistan	6	1980s
Jansher Khan	Pakistan	8	Late 1980s–1990s
Nicol David	Malaysia	8 (Women’s)	2000s–2010s
Geoff Hunt	Australia	4	1970s–1980s
Heather McKay	Australia	16 (British Open)	1960s–1970s
Ramy Ashour	Egypt	3	2010s
Gregory Gaultier	France	1	2010s

Geoff Hunt of Australia dominated the 1970s and early 1980s, winning the World Open four times and bridging the amateur era into the professional age. Heather McKay of Australia is arguably the most dominant figure in the women’s game historically, going unbeaten for many years during the British Open era. Ramy Ashour brought breathtaking shot-making to the men’s game before injuries curtailed his peak years.

The Modern Era: Egyptian Dominance

Since the 2010s, Egyptian players have taken control of the men’s rankings. Players like Mohamed ElShorbagy, Ali Farag, and Tarek Momen have collectively pushed the standard of athleticism and speed to new heights. ElShorbagy in particular has spent considerable time at world number one and is among the contenders for the greatest of his generation.

What Separates All-Time Greats from Champions

The players above share several traits: sustained time at world number one (not just a single title run), performance across multiple formats and opponents, and the ability to raise their level in the biggest matches. A single World Open title marks a great player. Eight marks a legend.

Quick summary: Jahangir Khan’s unbeaten streak and Jansher Khan’s eight World Opens define male greatness; Nicol David’s nine-plus years at number one defines the women’s standard. Any true all-time list must include Hunt, McKay, Ashour, and the leading Egyptian stars of the modern era.