R1: Nicolas Mueller 3-0 [WC] Aly Ezzat

“It’s refreshing playing some young guys, for those who don’t know, I played a Wildcard here last year and ended up losing that 3-2, so I wanted to make sure it didn’t happen this time.

“I think it was pretty much 20 years ago, my first PSA match, down in Switzerland, so it was a little while ago.

“With the inclusion of the Olympics in 2028, it has definitely made me think about my career a little bit. I am just trying to make sure that I will hopefully be going to LA for the Olympics in 2028.

“I think you have to be more mindful of how you play. I used to play all fast-paced and brainless, but that doesn’t work anymore. First of all I have to find my targets again – I’m not too happy with how I’m striking the ball at the moment – but tomorrow is another day and hopefully I’ll find my targets against Mazen.

“I will have to be on my toes, be ready to twist and turn quite a bit. I think it is going to be fighting fire with fire quite a bit, so I will take the game to him tomorrow.”