O Milladoiro, Spain – Malak Khafagy has claimed the biggest title of her PSA Squash Tour career, defeating the returning legend Camille Serme in an epic five-game final at the Santiago Open 2025. The 20-year-old Egyptian denied Serme a fairytale ending to her remarkable comeback season, triumphing 3-2 (6-11, 11-3, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9) in a 49-minute thriller that captivated a packed-out crowd.
Serme, 36, has been a revelation since returning to the PSA Tour at the start of this season after retiring in 2022 and welcoming a daughter in 2023. Her comeback campaign saw her win two Challenger events, the GillenMarkets British Open qualifying tournament, and the French nationals, suffering only two defeats before today’s final. The Santiago Open held particular significance for Serme, as it was where she won her maiden PSA Tour title as a teenager in 2007, making her quest for victory a full-circle moment.
However, standing in her way was the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Malak Khafagy. The young Egyptian had endured a grueling five-game semi-final against Torrie Malik and came into the final wearing heavy strapping on her leg from a quarter-final injury. Despite her pedigree and the significant honors on Serme’s resume, Khafagy was determined to secure her maiden World events crown.
The match began with Serme seizing control, quickly taking the first game 11-6 in under seven minutes. But Khafagy, after a rocky start, found her rhythm in the second game. Moving with surprising fluency despite her injury and hitting her targets with precision, she dominated, conceding only three points to level the scoreboard at 1-1. The enthusiastic crowd, spilling down the walkways of the all-glass court inside the As Cancelas shopping mall, erupted with appreciation for the high-quality squash on display.
The next three games proved to be an even more enthralling spectacle. Khafagy fought back from 8-5 down in the third to win it 11-8, showcasing her resilience. Serme, not to be outdone, then forced a decider with an 11-9 victory in the fourth, narrowly fending off a remarkable comeback from Khafagy, who had clawed back from 9-4 down.
The momentum of that comeback seemed to carry into the fifth for Khafagy, who stormed to a commanding 9-4 lead, appearing on the brink of victory. But the roles were reversed from the previous game as Serme mounted her own incredible charge, reeling off five consecutive points to level the score at 9-9, setting the stage for a breathtaking climax.
The tension was palpable as the two players engaged in a relentless rally lasting over a minute at 9-9. The rally culminated with Khafagy unleashing a crunching forehand drive down the line, bringing up match ball. On the very next point, Serme’s forehand boast found the tin, sealing the victory for Khafagy.
The young Egyptian raised her arms aloft in triumph, celebrating her hard-fought victory. She was presented with her trophy by former Spain football captain Veronica Boquete, bringing a memorable week to a close. The Santiago Open, held amidst the bustling atmosphere of the As Cancelas shopping mall between Zara and H&M, with a bagel shop nearby, was highlighted by packed crowds, passionate support, and even a national TV broadcast, underscoring the growing appeal of squash in the region.
