The 2025 New Zealand Squash Open is set to feature one of its strongest-ever fields, with a host of the world’s best players confirmed for the tournament in Christchurch.
The event, running from March 4 to 9 at the Isaac Theatre Royal, will bring together 48 top athletes from 17 nations across six continents.
The Barfoot & Thompson Women’s Open will feature nine of the world’s top 20 players, including defending champion and world No.9 Nele Gilis, who won the title in 2023. Kiwi squash legend Joelle King and rising star Ella Lash have been granted wildcard entries, adding to the local excitement.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at home again,” King said. “I love the New Zealand Squash Open, it’s such a competitive event and the field is absolutely stacked. There’s going to be some amazing squash on display, so it’ll make for a great event.”
The Lucino Vanities Men’s Open will be headlined by Christchurch’s own Paul Coll, currently ranked world No.4. He will be joined by world No.5 Mazen Hesham and 2023 runner-up Marwan Elshorbagy. Young New Zealanders Anthony Lepper and Ollie Dunbar have also earned wildcard entries and will be looking to impress on home soil.
Squash New Zealand Chief Executive Martin Dowson said this year’s competition has attracted one of the best fields ever seen in the country.
“We’re thrilled to have so many high-caliber athletes coming to our backyard to show off their skills,” Dowson said.
“Squash has been added to the 2028 Olympic programme, and I have no doubt that many of these athletes will go on to compete at LA 2028. This is a unique opportunity to see future Olympians in action.
“Tickets start at $20 and are getting snapped up quickly, with only around a third left – and even fewer for the finals sessions. We’re encouraging not just squash fans but anyone who enjoys live sport to secure theirs and experience the action.”
ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie welcomed the tournament’s arrival in the city.
“We are thrilled to welcome the New Zealand Squash Open to our vibrant, friendly city for the first time,” Finnie said.
The New Zealand Squash Open will be part of the New Zealand Festival of Squash, which will also include the New Zealand Junior Open at the Christchurch Squash Club, giving young players the chance to compete alongside the sport’s elite.
Tickets for the 2025 NZ Squash Open are available at www.festivalofsquash.co.nz. Further details, including schedules and streaming information, will be announced closer to the event.
