Snooker
Masters 2025: Judd Trump on the Mental Challenges of Leading Snooker’s Next Era
Judd Trump opens up about the mental pressures of being snooker's top player, handling expectations, and his approach to staying focused after his dominant Masters victory.
Getty Images / Tai Chengzhe
World number one Judd Trump continued his stellar form with a commanding 6-1 victory over Barry Hawkins in the first round of the 2025 Masters.
In a rematch of the 2024 UK Championship final, where Trump triumphed 10-8, the "Juddernaught" showed no mercy this time, racing to a 5-0 lead before sealing the win with a sublime 112 break - the highest of the match.
Hawkins managed to salvage a frame with a 70-break in the sixth, but Trump’s dominance was evident from the start, as he demonstrated why he is widely regarded as the favourite to claim this year’s Masters crown.
Trump, who secured the first Triple Crown event of the season in York and the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters earlier in the year, has his sights set on an historic achievement.
If he can add the Masters and the World Snooker Championship to his tally, he will become only the fourth player to win all three Triple Crown events in a single season and the first to achieve snooker’s "Grand Slam."
Judd Trump: The Latest Flag Bearer
Speaking after the match, Trump addressed the pressures of being the sport’s current marquee player, a role long held by Ronnie O’Sullivan.
With O’Sullivan withdrawing from the tournament due to health reasons, Trump is now the undisputed frontrunner. When asked about being the favourite in O’Sullivan’s absence, Trump dismissed the notion of added pressure but acknowledged the challenge of maintaining his top form.
“Not really, no. I always know if I play anywhere near my best, then I'm going to be there or thereabouts at the end, or it's going to take something special to stop me,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Mental Challenges of Snooker
Trump also reflected on the mental challenges of snooker; a topic brought into focus by O’Sullivan’s candid comments about his struggles.
While the Rocket has been the face of snooker for three decades, Trump is learning to navigate similar expectations while adopting a balanced approach to the game.
“The expectation that players put on themselves when the results aren’t going their way, if they’re not doing well at snooker, it can be the end for them. I try not to get to that point, and keep myself a little bit more content, in the way Mark Williams does,” Trump explained.
“Some of the players, myself included, you can be a little bit too harsh on yourself and can feel like the end of the world when you lose. This game is probably a lot more lonely than a lot of other sports. There’s more time on your own and I think you’re out there punishing yourself when you’re sat in your chair.”
Need to Play the Best of the Best
Despite O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, Trump emphasised the importance of competing against the best to truly test his abilities.
“It’s a benefit for the game, it’s amazing to have all the top players in it. If someone’s not here, then it is disappointing for the rest of us. We want to play the best players in the world, and I want everyone to be at their absolute best to challenge myself,” he concluded.
Trump’s humility and focus remain evident as he advances in the Masters. With his sights set on snooker history, the world number one is determined to let his performances speak for themselves.
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