Squash was introduced to Berlin in 1930 when Dr Ernst von Siemens (yes, that Siemens) built the city’s first four courts for the use of his employees.

The sport always plays second fiddle to its more popular cousin, tennis, and was recently snubbed again when the International Olympic Committee decided not to include it as a sport in the 2012 games in London.

However, it is a hugely popular game in its own right. Following a ricocheting ball around a compact court is excellent aerobic exercise and helps to develop muscle tone. In addition to a small number of clubs focusing purely on squash, some health centres and most tennis clubs have courts too. The sport is represented at the national level by the Deutsche Squash Verband (www.dsqv.de).