She is moving on to work on a project for Chelsea Piers New York, who are opening a venue which will include ice rinks, an Olympic pool, a gymnastics arena, a full sized football pitch, seven tennis courts and a variety of other sporting facilities, including 11 squash courts.

The 33-year-old said: "I have a fantastic opportunity awaiting me.

"WISPA has been part of my life for so long, fifteen years as a touring player, 13 as a board member and eight years as WISPA President.

"Chelsea Piers has also agreed to purchase an all-glass court, which we can erect for major championships - so perhaps many of you will be passing through my doors in the near future."

Grainger won 23 WISPA World Tour titles during a glittering career, and clinched a fifth successive US national title last weekend.

Chairman of WISPA Ingrid Lofdahl-Bentzer said: "WISPA has been incredibly lucky to have profited from Natalie's enthusiasm, energy and love for the game of squash during such a long time.

"Her willingness and enthusiasm to work relentlessly to help WISPA reach a level of professionalism and recognition has been pivotal and she is leaving a great legacy.

"She will be sorely missed, both on and off court, by her fans, of which I am one of the many.

"The Board wishes her all the best of luck."

Jaclyn Hawkes will take over from Grainger until a permanent successor is named, and spoke of her admiration for her predecessor's achievements.

"It has been and is a privilege to be a Board member as well as the WISPA Vice-President during Natalie's tenure.

"She has worked unbelievably hard for our organisation and hers will be very tough shoes to fill.

"It is an honour to be the acting President, a position which I will embrace."

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