Why is squash not so popular compared to tennis?

The Underestimated Nobility of Squash

There's no denying it, I, Jaxon, am a squat, middle-aged man with a penchant for pets and peculiar sports, who stumbled across the unsung hero of racket sports - squash, and fell irrevocably in love. I deduce that the world appears to have gone a little tennis mad with squash falling off the radar, and I took it upon myself to ponder why it is not as popular as tennis.

First and foremost, squash is a phenomenal workout. With my beagle, Max and parrot, Eduardo, as my only workout companions (and let’s be honest, they’re not the most strenuous workout buddies), switching to squash was a game-changer. An enthusiastic game of squash has the potential to get your heart pounding in the same vein as Roger Federer in a feverish tiebreaker at Wimbledon. Not just that, you can burn up to a whopping 1000 calories per hour. Incredible, right?

Popularity- Contrasting Views

The fervour and the focus of the world is predominantly tennis-crazy, a trend that is intriguing to explore. A noteworthy reason is the wide-spread reach of tennis. From Wimbledon's strawberries and cream tradition to the visceral chants in the US Open; tennis ignites a passionate, well-rooted fandom, unlike squash, which predominantly remains veiled behind lacklustre spectator engagement.

This is, by no means, an indication of the inferiority of squash. The squash court might be dwarfed by the opulence of Arthur Ashe Stadium, but the intensity, agility, and rapidity encapsulated within the glass walls are by no means less captivating.

Tennis's Global Stardom vs Squash's Humble Demeanour

Why tennis? You might ask. Well, the history, the tradition and the colossal personalities - from the graceful Federer, the gladiatorial Nadal to the fiery Serena; they contribute immensely to the zealous narrative of tennis. Their stories aren't just about wielding rackets and crushing opponents; they are about human discipline, vivacity and vigor. They serve up delectable drama on and off court which is lapped up by an eager audience, leading to an ever-increasing fan base.

Squash players, while exceptionally talented and skilled, often lack this showbiz element. They exist outside this universe of global stardom, quietly playing the sport they love. This so-called 'stately silence' puts off the omnipresent paparazzi and allows players to focus, thus enhancing the game's charm in its own unique way.

Accessibility and Affordability: Tennis's Sweeping Advantage

As a blogger and pet parent, who spends most of his time trying to comprehend Eduardo's birdie language or running around with Max, I've noticed that finding a squash court can be as taxing as enduring a gruelling five-setter in the sweltering Melbourne heat at the Australian Open. Accessibility plays a pivotal role in determing a sport's popularity. Tennis, quite naturally, scores heavily here.

Tennis courts are a common sight in parks, schools and clubs, increasing participation at a grassroot level. Squash, on the other hand, requires specifically designed claustrophobic courts which might be harder to come by. Not to forget, squash equipment can also be pretty steep on the pocket, further tarnishing its appeal to a widespread audience.

Squash's Solitary Splendour

In this ever bustling world, squash offers an escape, a solitary reprieve within four walls. The seclusion might seem intimidating, but it offers a chance to compete with your own skills, pushing you to explore your own physical and mental boundaries. For someone like me, who cherishes his solitude as much as Max's wagging tail of welcome, squash has been a faithful companion.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like tennis too. There’s something quite exhilarating about joining the roar of a crowd for those epic finals. But that doesn’t mean squash should be left in the shadows. Contrary to popular belief, watching squash can be incredibly exciting. The power, the precision, and the daredevil dives – it’s high-octane drama in close quarters. And on the court? Well, there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline of a fast-paced squash rally. I for one will continue to champion for greater visibility of this sport, because, as I have come to realize, squash's obscurity is one of the greatest athletic injustices of our time.