Egyptian squash player Amina Orfi has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest female World No.1 in the sport's history at just 19 years old. The new rankings, released on September 21, confirm Orfi's rise to the top of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Squash Tour. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record held by New Zealand squash legend Susan Devoy, who reached World No.1 in 1984 at 20 years and two months.
Orfi's impressive performance earned her the ranking after winning the QTerminals Qatar Classic in Doha. In the final, she faced fellow Egyptian Hania El Hammamy, who was the World No.1 at the time. The match lasted 107 minutes, with Orfi making a comeback after losing the opening game. She eventually defeated El Hammamy 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 12-10 to claim the title and take over the top spot in the women's rankings.
This achievement marks another major milestone in Orfi's remarkable 2026. Earlier this year, she became the youngest women's World Champion in squash history after defeating fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini in the World Championship final in Giza. Additionally, Orfi won the British Open, giving her three major achievements in the sport this year. Her success on the senior PSA Tour follows years of dominance on the junior circuit.
Orfi's rise to World No.1 is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She won four U19 World Junior Championship titles, the most by any player, before making her mark on the senior tour. Her achievement is also a reflection of Egypt's long history of success in squash, with Egyptian players holding top positions in both men's and women's games.
Egyptian players have dominated the sport, with athletes like Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, Ali Farag, Raneem El Welily, and Nour El Sherbini becoming World No.1s and world champions. El Welily was the first Egyptian woman to reach the top of the world rankings, while El Sherbini has won multiple World Championship titles. Egyptian players have also excelled in major international team and junior competitions over the past two decades.
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Orfi begins a new chapter in her career from the highest position in the women's rankings. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to young athletes and cements Egypt's position as a powerhouse in the sport. Orfi's success will likely have a positive impact on the sport's growth and popularity in Egypt and globally.
As the youngest female World No.1 in squash history, Orfi's future prospects look bright. With her impressive skills and achievements, she is expected to continue dominating the sport in the years to come. Her historic rise to the top will undoubtedly be a story to watch in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Key points
- Amina Orfi becomes youngest female World No.1 in squash history at 19 years old
- Orfi wins QTerminals Qatar Classic to claim World No.1 ranking
- Egypt has a long history of success in squash, with multiple World No.1s and world champions
