Commonwealth Games: Fitness boost for defending squash champion Nick Matthew
Last Updated: 22/07/14 6:48am
Nick Matthew believes he is winning his fight to be fit to defend his two squash titles at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Matthew scooped singles and doubles gold in Delhi four years ago and is the man to beat again after claiming his third world title earlier this year.
But Matthew's hopes were threatened last month by a knee injury which required surgery and left his participation at the Games in doubt.
Despite racing against time to recover, the Sheffield 33-year-old is convinced he has achieved the shape required to give his best shot at successfully defending his crowns.
Perform
Matthew said: "The uncertainty was a bit of a worry because I was told if I wanted to make the Commonwealths I needed an operation immediately.
"I had a small meniscus tear which was just wear and tear from playing so much squash. They said it was a six week recovery and I'm four weeks today post-op so I'm ahead of schedule.
"The key for me is to maintain the mentality that just by getting here my job isn't done. That is the danger of recovering from injury - I've got to remember that I haven't even started.
"My goal is to come here and play and perform well and it's about controlling my performance on the court. I don't know if I will be 100 per cent year but I know I'm feeling strong enough to perform."
