Anahat Singh scored a career-best win against 8-time world champion El Sherbini

Anahat Singh made a major statement on the professional squash circuit when she knocked out eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini at the Silicon Valley Open on Wednesday. The 18-year-old Indian beat the world No.3 in straight games as he won 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in just 30 minutes to reach the quarter-finals in Redwood City, California.

The result was a major breakthrough for Anahat, who faced the top-seeded Egyptian for the first time in her career. El Sherbini arrived at the $143,500 PSA Gold event as the favorite, but the Indian held her own against one of the most successful players in the sport, finishing the match without a break.

For Anahat, the win had a personal meaning beyond the eight. El Sherbini was one of her inspirations and the teenager spoke about the experience of facing a player whose career she had followed closely.

“I grew up watching her every game,” Anahat said after the game. “We have the same coach, Greg.

“I admire her and I want to achieve the things she has achieved in her career. She is an inspiration to all squash players,” she added.

ANAHAT BACK AGAINST EL SHERBINIM

Anahat went into the match aware of the challenge, but also confident that she could trouble the Egyptian if she played to her potential. The Indian national team coach, who was present at the venue, encouraged her to believe in her game.

“When I went into the match, the Indian national coach was there with me and he told me that I definitely have a chance if I play really, really well,” she said.

The Indian admitted that she expected to need time to adjust to El Sherbini’s game. Instead, her plan came together and allowed her to take control and finish the match in straight games.

“It was my first time sharing the court with her. I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. I thought it would take a while to settle in and understand how to play with her,” Anahat said.

“But the game plan ended up working out pretty well and I just stuck it out. I still can’t believe it ended up on my side of the court,” she added with a smile.

THE NEXT STEP IN ANAHAT’S QUICK ENTRY

The win follows an impressive year for Anahat, who became junior world champion in 2026. She also defeated Nour Aboulmakarim in the opening round of the Silicon Valley Open before achieving the biggest result of her professional career against El Sherbini.

Still only 18, Anahat has established herself as one of squash’s leading young players and is now challenging herself against the sport’s established stars. With squash making its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, her latest appearance is another sign of her growing potential on the senior circuit.

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