The 28th edition of the Monte-Carlo Squash Classic wrapped up on Thursday at the Louis-II Stadium, closing four days of high-level competition with a superb French victory…
Top seed Melissa Alves delivered an exceptional tournament from start to finish, culminating in a commanding win over Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy in the final. Demonstrating consistency, precision, and total control, Alves won in straight games, 11-5, 11-3, 11-9, securing her second title in Monaco and remarkably completing the entire event without dropping a single set.
Reflecting on her performance, Alves explained that her physical freshness played a decisive role. Having had relatively straightforward earlier matches, she entered the final confident, prepared for a long contest if needed, and determined to impose her rhythm. Mickawy, by contrast, appeared eager to shorten rallies, a dynamic that Alves used to her advantage. She also acknowledged the added pressure of being the clear favourite, as the No. 2 seed withdrew due to injury, making the title hers to lose. “It feels good to prove I can handle that pressure,” she said.
For the Monegasque organisers, this edition was a success beyond the sporting results. The tournament forms part of a broader ambition to elevate squash within the Principality, with plans to step up from PSA Bronze to Silver status, a move that would attract even higher-ranked international players. Efforts to grow the sport locally are also progressing, including youth development and the first-ever participation of two young Monaco players in the prestigious British Junior Open.
With this win, world No. 19 Melissa Alves joins the exclusive circle of the event’s most decorated champions, adding another milestone to an already outstanding week of squash in Monaco.
Image: Communication Department – Manuel Vitali
