Serving Up... With Baptiste Masotti

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Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GFahldxUUX6qf75ZZwsxd...

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr4FmKqGic8

In this first edition of our Serving Up series, we sat down with French squash star Baptiste Masotti — a player known not only for his fierce court presence but also for his raw honesty, emotional depth, and unmistakable flair. From a single court in a doctor’s surgery to a world ranking of No.13, Baptiste’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

We wanted to go beyond technique and trophies — and explore the mental game, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the transformation that shaped the person behind the player.

How do you define mental toughness?

Squash is one of the most mentally demanding sports out there. You’re out there alone, and the margins are small — even between players ranked in the top 60 or 70. For me, mental toughness is about resilience, discipline, and doing the invisible work — not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not. It’s about getting up and training no matter what’s happening in your life. Because in this sport, your body is your tool, and your mind is the one holding it together.

Where do you feel your resilience was forged — in squash or in life before squash?

Both. I grew up watching Grégory Gaultier — he’s now a part of my team and like a mentor to me. His discipline and resilience were unreal. I think that rubbed off on me early. I started squash late, around 11 or 12 years old. I’m from a small town in France — just one court, actually inside my doctor’s surgery! It started as something fun with my dad, but over time, I realised I wanted more. I had talent, and things came naturally for a while. But when I reached No.13, I realised that staying there required something else — deep discipline, especially mentally.

You’ve had incredible breakthroughs, like reaching the Top 20. What’s been the biggest mindset shift that helped you level up?

It’s been understanding that talent can only take you so far. I had to start doing the invisible work — breathing exercises, mental coaching, everything that doesn’t show up on highlight reels. Before, I could do all the physical work without hesitation. But it was that behind-the-scenes discipline — the inner game — that made the real difference. That’s what I’ve been working on for the past 6–7 months, and it’s reshaping how I approach my career.

What’s been your biggest challenge in squash so far?

Finding joy again. After reaching World No.13, I hit a wall. I wasn’t enjoying squash anymore. It stopped being fun. That was the biggest challenge — rediscovering why I loved the game in the first place. It’s hard to play well when you’re not happy. That’s the truth. So for me, finding happiness on court — that’s essential.

Can you share a moment when you almost gave up — and what kept you going?

March 2024. I was on the rise, playing well, ranked No.13… and I was miserable. Personal issues weighed me down, and I didn’t win a single match from January to June. I was done. I genuinely wanted to quit. But then life brought the right people into my world — people who reminded me of who I was and helped me rediscover purpose. One person in particular changed everything. She (Sivasangari Subramaniam) helped me see life differently, and we now support each other through it all. Without her, I wouldn’t be playing today.

Has squash changed your life outside the court? In what ways?

Absolutely. Squash is how I understand myself now. The structure it requires, the travel, the community — it’s shaped everything. But it’s also taught me that without balance outside the court, I can’t perform on it. That’s why I moved to Prague — for the first time in my life I left France to build a healthier training environment. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What motivates you on the days you really don’t want to train?

The people around me. I now surround myself only with those I trust, who bring out the best in me. That helps. But motivation also comes from within — from knowing that I’m lucky to do this for a living. It’s a privilege. Not everyone gets to chase their passion like this.

How do you mentally approach matches where you’re the underdog vs. when you’re expected to win?

That’s a work in progress. I’m an emotional player, and that emotion can be a double-edged sword. I’m learning how to stay focused on my game — not the ranking or the pressure. Breathing techniques, mental prep, staying present — that’s the goal.

You’re known for your emotional energy. Does that ever become a double-edged sword?

For sure. My emotional intensity is both a gift and a weakness. Against Victor (Crouin), it was probably 90% of a battle — but I lost the 10% that mattered because of my emotions. I’m working with a mental coach now to manage that better. I’m trying to channel the energy without letting it derail me.

What’s the internal voice in your head like during a match — calm coach, fiery motivator, quiet observer?

I’m still figuring that one out! I want to be calm and tactical — but if I’m too calm, I lose my edge. If I’m too fired up, I lose control. So I’m searching for the balance — focused but fierce. Breathing helps. Refocusing quickly helps. But it’s an everyday process.

If you could give your younger self one piece of mental advice, what would it be?

Spot your weaknesses early — and fix them. Don’t wait. Don’t let the game just happen to you. Stay close to the feeling of playing — the joy, the sensations — but don’t ignore the hard stuff. The earlier you deal with that, the better.

What legacy do you want to leave in the game?

I don’t love the word “legacy”… but I do hope people look at my story and see what’s possible. A kid from a small French town, with one squash court in his doctor’s office, becomes No.13 in the world — that’s pretty crazy. I want people to remember me as someone who loved the game, who entertained the crowd, but also who played clean, with heart. And if they take anything from me, I hope it’s this: if you want it badly enough, and you fight for it, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.

Watch or Listen to the full podcast here:

🔁 Want more stories like this? Stay tuned for the next instalment of Serving Up — only at oliversquash.co.uk
📸 Follow Baptiste on Instagram: @bmsquash