The College Squash Association (CSA) joins the global squash community in celebrating the extraordinary career of Ali Farag, Harvard Class of 2014, who has announced his immediate retirement from professional squash. A four-time World Champion, former World No.1 for an astounding 238 weeks, and winner of 46 PSA Tour titles, Farag leaves an indelible mark not only as one of the sport’s all-time greats but as a shining example of how collegiate success can be a springboard to global G.O.A.T. status. 

Farag’s journey through Harvard was nothing short of legendary. He captured two CSA Individual National Championships (2012, 2014) and was instrumental in leading the Crimson to a dominant Potter Cup National Team Championship in 2014, culminating an undefeated season with a 9-0 victory over Trinity. His individual collegiate record stood at an impressive 52-2. 

Beyond the trophies, Farag embodied the highest ideals of college athletics. He was the recipient of the prestigious 2014 CSA Skillman Award, an honor given to a senior men’s player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, on-court poise, skill, and leadership. As Harvard Head Coach Mike Way stated at the time, “Ali plays with the utmost fairness and integrity. One could not ask for a better example in a number one player.” This sentiment was echoed by his 2014 teammate Tommy Mullaney, who later said, “I couldn’t imagine a better ambassador for the sport.” Farag’s accolades at Harvard also included being named Ivy League Player of the Year multiple times, a three-time CSA First Team All-American, a CSA Scholar Athlete, and receiving the William J. Bingham Award as Harvard’s outstanding male senior athlete in 2014. 

His decision to attend Harvard, after a stellar junior career, was pivotal. Though initially planning a career in Mechanical Engineering after graduating, Coach Way and Farag’s then-girlfriend (now wife and fellow squash champion) Nour El Tayeb encouraged him to pursue the PSA tour. 

What followed was not just a successful professional career, but a dominant era that saw Farag etch his name alongside squash immortals. His 46 PSA Tour titles place him sixth on the all-time men’s winners list. Among these are: 

• Four PSA World Championship crowns, making him one of only two Egyptian men (with Amr Shabana) to achieve this feat. 

• Three U.S. Open titles (2017, 2019, 2024), including the memorable 2017 victory where he and Nour El Tayeb became the first married couple to win the same major sports title on the same day. 

• The prestigious British Open (2023). 

• Four J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions titles (2019, 2022, 2024, 2025). 

• Multiple victories at other premier events including the CIB Egyptian Open (three times), Qatar Classic (three times), El Gouna International (three times), and the Windy City Open (twice). 

He reached an incredible 81 PSA finals, winning 445 of his 553 matches on tour, and retired ranked World No.2, less than two weeks after competing in his fifth World Championship final. 

This unparalleled success on the professional stage powerfully proved that attending college can bolster a player’s chances of reaching the pinnacle of professional squash. Farag paved the way, demonstrating that the rigor, teamwork, and holistic development experienced in college squash are invaluable assets. His impact was also felt in his conduct, earning him the PSA Spirit of Squash Award seven times over eight years, a testament to the character honed during his collegiate years. Beyond individual accolades, Farag was a cornerstone for Egyptian squash, leading his nation to four World Squash Team Championship titles. 

Even as he conquered the global stage, Farag’s connection to his alma mater and college squash remained profound. Coach Way continued to be a mentor, with Farag noting, “He still is my mentor, and he always will be… he’s my go-to person!” Farag famously wore the Harvard crest on his professional attire and, as Coach Way put it, “Ali still bleeds Harvard crimson and always will.” 

The CSA community fondly remembers the young man who, as a sophomore, went undefeated to win his first individual title, and as a senior, led his team to glory while epitomizing sportsmanship. His story—from a prodigious junior talent to a Harvard champion, and then to a global squash icon with a glittering professional resume—is one that will inspire generations of college squash players. 

Ali Farag’s retirement marks the end of a playing era, but his legacy as a student-athlete who reached the zenith of his sport, all while upholding the values of fair play and dedication, will endure within the College Squash Association. We thank Ali for his immense contributions and wish him, Nour, and their family all the best in their next chapter.

For more on Farag’s retirement, read Rob Dinerman’s article on the Daily Squash Report below