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.