In his recent Boast About It interview with Open Squash, French squash sensation and Open Squash ambassador Victor Crouin offered a glimpse into his journey to the top of the sport. From his early days in France to his stellar college career at Harvard and his rise in the professional ranks, Victor's story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
Victor's introduction to squash came at a tender age, thanks to his father's influence. "He was definitely my first inspiration," Victor said. "He was playing at tournaments back in France, and I was going to those tournaments with him and hitting the ball in between games." His father's passion for the sport eventually led him to coach Victor, nurturing his talent and fostering his love for the game.
While squash was a central part of his life, Victor's parents emphasized the importance of education. "My parents always made sure the academics were strong," he explains. "If the grades didn't follow, then I wouldn't travel." This emphasis on education instilled a strong sense of discipline and balance in Victor, which would prove invaluable throughout his career.
Victor 's college years at Harvard were a defining period in his development. He excelled both academically and on the squash court, balancing a rigorous course load with a demanding professional tour schedule. "I learned a lot alongside Mike Way, our assistant coach, and my teammates," Victor said. "I learned to be a team player a bit more." He credits the camaraderie and mentorship he experienced at Harvard for shaping him into a more well-rounded player.
After graduating, Victor’s ranking soared, reaching a career-high of number seven in the world. "Graduating from college was liberating," he said. "I felt like I could now just give my entire self to my squash career." The newfound freedom allowed him to focus solely on his game, leading to a string of impressive performances.
However, Victor acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a top ranking. "When I got to the top eight, I put a little more pressure on myself," he said. "I was always playing down. I was playing somebody lower ranked who didn't have anything to lose." Despite the pressure, Victor remains determined to achieve his goal of becoming the world number one and world champion.
Victor's playing style is a testament to his adaptability and tactical intelligence. Being shorter than many of his opponents, he has developed a game that emphasizes precision and strategic shot placement. "Being short forced me to focus on other aspects than just hitting the ball hard," he said. "I had to be a bit cleverer on court." He believes squash is a sport where diverse body types can thrive, and he encourages aspiring players to embrace their strengths and develop their own unique styles. Victor eventually came second in our October Open Squash Classic tournament, losing out to Marwan ElShorbagy in the final but beating Columbian Miguel Rodriguez, former British Open winner, 3-0 in the semifinals.
To maintain his competitive edge, Victor utilizes a data-driven approach to analyze his game. "I've always been very analytical," he said. He uses tools like Crosscourt Analytics to dissect his matches, identify areas for improvement, and refine his strategies. This analytical mindset, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, makes Victor a formidable force on the court. He has also been very open about the philosophy of squash, and frequently reflects on his progress, the highs and lows of the game, on social media.
No matter what comes, Victor remains focused on his goals. "Being seven or twelve in the world is kind of the same thing to me," he said. "The main goal is to get to number one."
Victor Crouin is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years. His journey is also an inspiration to aspiring squash players, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and un petit peu de cleverness, anything is possible. Best of luck this season, Victor!
You can also watch a video version of this interview at our Boast About It show here!