Iván Pérez Saavedra Eyes 2028 Olympics After Historic Rise in Squash Rankings

Iván Pérez Saavedra’s rapid rise in professional squash reflects the growing profile of the sport, which is gaining significant momentum following its recent inclusion in the Olympic program. As reported by El Día, the Tenerife-born athlete has cemented his place among Europe’s elite after winning bronze at the continental championships in Budapest—a major milestone in his career.

At 24, the Adeje native has climbed to 39th in the world rankings. This achievement grants him entry into larger tournaments and increases his influence on the international circuit. Following a year of consistent results, he is now well-positioned to pursue a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. However, the path ahead is difficult; with only 16 spots available, he must maintain his high level of play to qualify, either through his world ranking or by competing in events like the continental qualifier in Istanbul this June.

Pérez Saavedra’s success is the result of years of dedication. After moving from Tenerife to Barcelona at 17 to train at Spain’s top high-performance center, he transformed a childhood hobby into a professional career. His commitment to daily training and the mental toughness required for individual racket sports have earned him the respect of his rivals—a psychological advantage he notes is vital during intense matches.

Looking ahead, the Tenerife native is preparing for a Silver-level tournament in Sweden at the end of September. This event will be a key test of his ability to remain at the top level. His immediate goal is to break into the world’s Top 35, which would allow him to compete in prestigious Platinum tournaments. Pérez Saavedra remains focused on steady improvement, aiming to close the gap with the world’s best and put Spanish squash firmly on the international map.