‘My goal is to play the best level of squash ever played by a woman’
Massaro will replace Egypt’s Raneem El Welily at the top of the rankings on 1 January,, external but it is Malaysia’s David, currently ranked third, who has been the sport’s dominant force over the past decade.
The 32-year-old has won eight of the past 10 world titles and was world number one for a record nine years until July.
“Nicole will go down as the best female player in history with the success she’s had,” said Massaro.
“We came through juniors together, and on one hand it’s been unfortunate to be there with someone who’s been so successful.
“But she’s driven the sport forward and I’ve been part of trying to catch someone and eventually been able to raise my level to beat her on a fairly consistent level… probably a lot more than anybody else.
“I try to look at it as would I be the player I am if there wasn’t someone at the top of the sport pulling away all the time, with me trying to hang onto their heels and drag my own level up?”