Getting to know SDA World #6 Matt Henderson
Name: Matthew Henderson
Age: 27
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Clubs: Badminton & Racquet Club, Cambridge Club
Tell us a bit about your squash beginnings. When did you start playing, and what got you into it?
I started playing squash at a very early age. My dad and older brothers were all into squash, so it was natural for me to get involved too. But I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was around 13. Before that, I tried to play as many sports as I could—anything and everything.
Who was your first coach?
My first coach was Phil Green at the Cedar Hill Squash Club in Victoria, BC.
Do you have a favorite memory from your junior squash days?
Definitely representing Canada at the World Junior Championships in Poland. It was an unforgettable experience.
When did you make the switch to playing doubles?
That happened during my university years at The University of Western Ontario, around 2018 or 2019.
Is there a player on the SDA tour you particularly enjoy watching?
John Russell. He’s an inspiration to all of us.
What’s been your favorite SDA experience so far?
Winning my first SDA event in 2023 at the Buffalo Club Open. That was a huge moment for me and really gave me confidence to push to play at the top level.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or favorite snacks?
I always go for a Snickers and a Gatorade before a match!
What’s the most important part of your warm-up routine?
Definitely the mental side. I really focus on getting into the right headspace before stepping onto the court. I think it’s so important to have your brain and your body in the same ready state, one won’t work with the other.
Off the court, what do you do to stay fit?
I like to go hiking, hit the gym, and do some yoga to keep myself in shape.
Any major life events recently?
Yes, my partner and I got engaged this past June in Portugal! It was a pretty special moment in an amazing location. We’re planning to get married in the summer of 2026. Her surname actually Henderson as well, so should be limited paper work post wedding!
Growing up, was there a sportsperson you admired?
Roger Federer. He’s been a role model for me as an athlete but I’ve also always admired his hair.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading My Heart is in Africa by Scott Griffin, who’s a Canadian squash player and also a pilot who spent years flying to and around Africa. Really great read and highly recommend!
How about TV? What are you currently watching?
Suits. It’s been a great way to unwind.
What do you do outside of squash? What’s your day job?
I work for a tech startup in the travel industry.
Balancing a 9-5 job with playing at a high level must be challenging. Any tips?
It can definitely be tough to find time for both. If you’re struggling to get three other players for a game or to coordinate match times, try playing more sides and keeping it as competitive as possible. It helps you stay sharp even when schedules don’t align perfectly.
Any sponsors you’d like to thank?
I’m really grateful for all of the support I get, I know I’m in the minority in terms of doubles players who get the support they need to compete consistently. I’d love to thank Torking Manes, Fruitman Kates, MTE Consultants, Ord Private Wealth Management, Limen Group, Edenshaw Developments, Ozz Electric, Of Courts, and Harrow Sports
Getting to know SDA World #1 Sam Khalifa
Meet Sam Khalifa, a 29-year-old squash player with an impressive journey from Cairo to Columbia University to the SDA Pro Tour. Let’s dive into his experiences, inspirations, and daily routines!
Interviewer: Hi, Sam. Please excuse the interruption to your summer but we’d like to get to know a little better. So, to start, can you tell us a bit about your background? Where were you born?
Sam Khalifa: Hey! I was born in Cairo, Egypt.
Interviewer: That’s wonderful. When and how did you start playing squash?
Sam: I started playing squash when I was nine years old. My older brother, Amr Khalifa, began playing before I did and encouraged me to join him on the court. We often played and trained together from a young age.
Interviewer: Sibling rivalry must have been fun! How long have you been in the US?
Sam: I moved to the US in 2012 when I was 17 to attend high school at Deerfield. It was a massive culture shock, but I loved it and made some great friends.
Interviewer: And when did you start playing doubles?
Sam: My first doubles hit was when I joined the Racquet and Tennis Club in 2021. My first SDA tournament was at the Johnson at the Height Casino in 2022. I played with Kyle Martino, and we lost in the first round to Chris Callis and Josh Hollings, 3-0.
Interviewer: Oh interesting, so who are your favorite players to watch now?
Sam: For left wallers, I enjoy watching James Stout for his creative shots, Elroy Leong for his reverses, Adam Bews for his over-the-head reverse volley on his forehand, and Zac Alexander for his game tactics. For right wallers, I admire Chris Callis for his shot selections and positioning, Scott Arnold for his backcourt forehand reverse, and Kyle Martino for just good vibes.
Interviewer: Hahahahahha. Quite a list, agree on the good vibes from Kyle, he brings a great energy to the tour.
Interviewer: What’s your favorite pre-match snack?
Sam: A White Chocolate Macadamia Cliff Bar.
Interviewer: Yum! That’s a good start to your match prep. What’s the most important part of your warm-up routine?
Sam: Stretching and having the right playlist.
Interviewer: Music definitely sets the mood. So what’s on the play list?
Sam: Depends on the opponent, some require old Disney hits (under the sea, Let it go, etc.), while others need a little more Nicki Minaj.
Interviewer: Interesting variety in your choices there. Being an athlete you’re obviously in great shape, what off-court activity helps you stay fit enough to compete at this level?
Sam: Running and lifting. For running, I typically go for HIIT workouts (40 secs sprints, 20 secs jog), whereas for lifting I tend to focus more on shoulder exercises and core.
Interviewer: Great combination! Which sportsperson did you most admire growing up?
Sam: Thierry Lincou and Raneem ElWelily. Lincou’s discipline has always been inspiring (for example, his pre/post match stretching routine) and Raneem is just in my opinion one of the most talented & humble players to ever play on tour.
Interviewer: Two fantastic players. What book are you currently reading?
Sam: I’m reading “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.
Interviewer: An inspiring read! What TV show are you currently watching?
Sam: Love Island USA. Post-Casa I’ve been most rooting for JaNa and Kenny or Leah and Miguel. Kaylor needs to dump Aaron now that they’re back in real life.
Interviewer: Nice choice! How many languages do you speak?
Sam: Two: English and Arabic.
Interviewer: Impressive! Lastly, what’s your day job?
Sam: I work in Sales & Trading so it’s sometimes hard to balance that with my SDA play but it’s so worth it. Squash has always been my passion and I feel lucky that it is still such a big part of my life.