Every winter since 1994, the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions Squash boasts its setting in the elegant Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, generating heat and excitement for players and spectators alike.
In a court built of plexiglass, you are able to see these world class athletes moving at lighting speed to send the ball ricocheting off all four walls. You can’t miss the action as scores of commuters stop on the way to watch this fascinating spectacle.
It is a rare event that makes this sideways and skyward sprawling city seem like a small town. Playing on the four-walled glass court under the Terminal’s spectacular chandeliers is the dream of professional squash players from around the globe. And for the spectators it is a unique opportunity to see the world’s top talents compete in this intense, non-stop sport.
The tournament traces its distinguished lineage back to 1930, when it was staged as the “U.S. Professional.” It was known as the World Professional Squash Championship in the 1970’s. And Tournament of Champions since 1992. The tournament is the oldest, annual competition for squash professionals in the world.
John Nimick, Squash Engine President & Event Producer, explains the excitement. “The J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions is where world-class squash meets the heartbeat of New York City. Transforming Grand Central Terminal into an arena for the world’s best celebrates the sport’s athleticism while creating a unique atmosphere that spreads awareness and inspires the next generation of players, both professional and recreational. With squash set to debut at LA28, the Tournament of Champions offers a chance for many to witness the game at its highest level before it takes the Olympic stage.”
For what to wear on the court, we put together a collection of versatile squash attire and equipment. Most local clubs have retained their white clothing policy but the tournament does not, so I had some fun with shades of blue. I discovered when doing some digging that it is impolite to leave your warm up pants on for a match, and if you must do so for an injury or some other reason, it is proper to ask your opponent if he or she minds.
Squash originated in England at Harrow School where boys played with a small rubber ball and makeshift courts.
In 1884, the first squash court in America was built at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire by James Conover, who attended college with an Old Harrovian.
The sport quickly gained popularity in other boarding schools and in the elite clubs of the day. In 1900 The Philadelphia Racquet Club built 5 handball courts, which quickly became used for squash.
The 2025 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions features 8 days of glass court play comprising twenty-three sessions of pro competition and 2 sessions of Championship college play. Hilary is staying cozy as she picks her spectating ensemble. “With temperatures to hit record lows in NYC, warmth is the goal. And as you keep the eye on the ball, comfort is key.”
tops: Alix of Bohemia Studded Jacket $1250 / Khaite Cashmere Cardigan $1980 / Isabel Marant Red Merino Wool Sweater $695 / Ami Paris Striped Cardigan $770 / Veronica Beard Leather Jacket $1495 / pants: Loulou de Saison Pants $310 / Another Tomorrow Yellow Wide Leg Pants $790 / Mother Barrel Leg Jeans $258 shoes: Aeyde Mary Jane Ballet Flats $445 / Tod’s Suede Pumps $1095 bags: Proenza Schouler Shoulder Bag $1390 / Saint Laurent Shoulder Bag $3100
Another terrific squash organization, StreetSquash just celebrated their 25th year of providing consistent support to children, families and schools in Harlem. One of its goals is to provide intensive squash training and ongoing competitive opportunities for all of its participants. In addition, the organization tracks the academic progress of their students, ensuring all graduate from high school, enroll in and complete a post-secondary program, and gain meaningful employment.
Board Member, Nick Bienstock, explains the connection between the two organizations. “The TOC donates tickets in the early rounds to StreetSquash so the kids can see the top players in the world perform. And almost every year, one or more of the players volunteer to come up the StreetSquash facility in Harlem to hit around with the kids. A number of the pro players have been incredibly generous with their time.”
For tickets and information, please visit Tournament of Champions.
Watch the reel to get you in the mood for the action!
Photos Courtesy of JP Morgan Tournament of Champions, World Squash Library, Harrow School, The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Grand Central Terminal, Ohrstrom Library Digital Archives Hilary Dick and Karen Klopp of What2WearWhere.com. We take the guesswork out of dressing, the legwork out of shopping, and the panic out of packing.©
