Perth’s Sue Hillier will defend her World Squash Masters Championships title in Perth.
Nearly 40 years after winning her first WA Open State Championship, Perth squash champion Sue Hillier is preparing for one of the most special events of her remarkable career – competing for another world title on home soil.
Hillier claimed her maiden State Championship in 1988 and has since built an extraordinary international résumé, winning three World Masters Championships and a World Masters Games title while forging lifelong friendships through the sport.
Now, as Perth hosts the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships for the first time, Hillier will have the rare opportunity to compete in front of family, friends and the local squash community.
The City of Stirling will welcome the world’s best masters squash players when Mirrabooka Squashworld co-hosts the championships from 30 August to 6 September.
A purpose-built glass court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre will also showcase the sport in a unique setting, giving visitors and shoppers the chance to watch world-class squash up close.
“It’s really exciting,” Hillier said.
“My family and friends will get to come and watch, and I have a training group on Wednesdays and a lot of them are playing as well. It’s just really good to have it here.”
Hillier heads into the tournament as the defending champion after winning the 2024 World Squash Masters Championships in Amsterdam and will be the No. 1 seed in her division.
Despite her success, the experienced competitor says she doesn’t focus on rankings or expectations.
“I just back myself, try my hardest and see what happens,” she said.
That approach has helped Hillier remain among the world’s best, where experience, strategy and composure are just as valuable as physical ability.
“The biggest thing I love about squash is the people and the social connection,” she said.
“Then, it’s the fact that it keeps me fit, and the third thing is the challenge. Every time I play someone new, it’s about working things out – it’s a mental game.
“At my age, I’m not necessarily getting faster, so it becomes about the mental challenge and figuring things out – it’s like physical chess.”
With the championships coming to Perth for the first time, Hillier hopes the event will inspire more Western Australians to discover squash.
“I’m really hoping people come along and watch because squash is such an exciting sport,” she said.
“For people who have never seen it before, masters squash is probably a great introduction because it’s not quite as fast as the professional game. People can actually see the rallies and understand what’s happening.”
She also hopes more people discover masters competition, which begins from age 35.
“People get to 35 and think they’re too old for sport, but that’s actually when the masters category starts,” Hillier said.
“I just wish more people would play masters because it’s so good. It’s competitive, it’s social and it gives people a reason to stay involved.
“Squash has given me so much – fitness, friendships, travel and so many amazing experiences. It’s been a huge part of my life.”
The City of Stirling is a proud sponsor of the championships, working with Squash Australia and Tourism WA to bring the event to Perth for the first time.
Around 1,500 competitors, supporters and officials from more than 55 countries are expected to visit Perth for the championships.
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin AM said the event highlighted the City’s commitment to attracting world-class sporting events while encouraging active lifestyles.
“We are passionate about attracting world-class events and fostering an active and connected community, so these championships are a great fit,” Mayor Irwin said.
“Sue is a fantastic ambassador for this sport and someone we can all look up to when it comes to staying active and connected.
“To everyone who is visiting for the event, I encourage you to explore all the City of Stirling has to offer, from the idyllic Scarborough Beach in the west to the cultural hub of Mount Lawley in the east and everything in between.”