“It certainly feels special and I can't believe that I have been World No.1 for nine years – the time has flown by,” said David.

“Sometimes I get so caught up on working on getting better and improving myself that it's only when I take a bit of time off to reflect that I come to terms with it – I think I might only fully comprehend the magnitude of everything when I step out of the game, but that's not going to be happening anytime soon.

“Squash still has a lot to offer that keeps me going. The experience that I get when I win an event, after all the hard work and dedication to training pays off, is such a thrill that nothing can replace it.

“That keeps me motivated and my goals now are to stay on top of my game throughout the new season and to do my best at each tournament and to enjoy every moment that I am competing on these spectacular glass courts around the world.

“I think it's going to be an exciting year with everyone pushing the competition on but I'm really looking forward to the challenge.”