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Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes still the best in her game

By Ravendra Madholall

At age 29, Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes has already received

many titles and has secured herself a spot on the world stage of outstanding sport personalities. Yet, she is fully geared to adding more titles and seeking to improve her status on the international ranking.

In a recent exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, the Canadian-born Guyanese player said she is anxious to move up from her current standing at 61. Since her successful operation on her knee joint, Fernandes said she is willing to dedicate her time thoroughly to reach more respected ranking.
After she was forced to miss the game for twenty-three consecutive months owing to a serious knee injury, the champion right-handed world-rated player wants to add more titles to her large collection. She recently participated in the Senior Caribbean Squash championships in Trinidad and

Tobago where she topped her competitors by claiming the female individual title fairly easily.

Fernandes easily disposed of Barbadian Karen Meakins, a 12-time Barbados national women’s

champion and the number two ranked player in the Caribbean, after a close first set to win the match with scores of 12/10, 11/2 and 11/1.
In 2007, Fernandes climbed to a decent and impressive ranking 27th on the world of squash, the highest held by any Caribbean racket player.

In that year she was voted as the Sportswoman-of-the-year at the annual Guyana National Award ceremony. She also gained the prestigious recognition for winning Guyana’s only gold medal at the Central America and Caribbean Games in Colombo.
“I just want to go out there and perform to the best of my ability and making my country proud,” Fernandes stated.
Fernandes returned to competitive tournament in early 2011 after a six-month rehabilitation programme. She was beaten in the final by English player Victoria Bosta in straight set which was played in Toronto, Canada.
“My injury kept me off for a while, but I think I am ready to make a big impression again as I always thrive to be at

the top,” the Squash champion indicated.
On the Court, Fernandes is always bubbling with enthusiasm and that is why she is upbeat of winning more championships in the near future.
She stated that physical fitness is of paramount importance and that gives her the encouragement to train harder.

“I strongly believe in fitness and always try to sharpen my fitness level to maximum whenever I am preparing for any tournament because my coach always says that once you are fit, the game becomes easier and that method is working nicely so far,” she explained.
Fernandes whose siblings also represented Guyana in different sport (Hockey), is very thankful for their support. Her brother Robby has been an excellent mid-field player while her younger sister Tricia is a fine defender on the hockey field.
“It is always wonderful to know that your brother and sister are playing competitive sport for your country and making a good impression too,” the Squash player said. She added, “they are encouraging me to play my game

seriously at all time and since I recovered from my injury, they have also been supportive in all aspects.”
Fernandes was born in 1983 in Toronto. She move to Guyana several years later with her parents and started to play competitively at the age of 8.
She soon afterwards dominated the junior category both domestically and regionally before she became famous having performed with distinction at various Caribbean Championships.
She made a significant leap when she was just 19-years-old and emerged as champion at her first Pan American Games. She was severely tested by some Caribbean stalwarts, but she kept her composure and played with great determination to be crowned champion.
That tournament was unforgettable and from since then the elegant player Fernandes has been a title-holder.
“I have had some great tournaments and winning on a regular basis has also given me the confidence to do greater things but I know it is about hard work and commitment, and I am

willing to make the necessary sacrifice,” Fernandes mentioned.
She has also been playing professionally in England over the past 11 years and the exposure she said, has her helped tremendously in her distinguished career.
According to her, the annual Guyana Squash Association tournament is looming and with her dominance over the years, she is looking eagerly to stamp her authority again before the 2014 Pan American Games.