With Patricio Travel at the Int. Wilson Masters Open at the Ali Bey Club Manavgat

Sometimes things don't go as planned… and end up being so much better than expected. To be honest, absolutely wonderful! That sums up my 10 days with Patricio Travel at the International Wilson Open 2026 at the Ali Bey Club Manavgat, including a short trip to the Ali Bey Resort Sorgun. Instead of the planned MT1000 ITF senior tournament, I played an open tournament with fantastic singles and mixed doubles matches. Despite some unpredictable weather, the tournament organization was flawless and unfussy, and the international atmosphere was fantastic. All this at the World Class Racket Center with 59 tennis courts and a resort hotel that lacked (almost) nothing. Join me for a glimpse into my tennis tournament week in Turkey!

The tournament – ​​different but still great

Actually, yes, the Int. Wilson Open, an ITF tournament of the highest category MT1000 for seniors, was supposed to be my very first ITF tournament. However, shortly before the tournament was due to begin, the ITF cancelled it due to the Middle East conflict.

After brief consideration, I, like many of the tournament participants, decided to travel to Manavgat despite the ITF tournament's withdrawal of its status. Especially since Patricio Travel, after the cancellation, quickly organized the event anyway, complete with all the side events and amenities that would have been offered by the "big" ITF tournament. As a result, 170 participants in the 30-80 age groups actually competed. A unique aspect of the tournament was that everyone was theoretically allowed to play in three events (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) instead of the two events usually offered in ITF tournaments.

I had registered for the women's singles and mixed doubles competitions in the 50+ age group. After the lovely opening ceremony on center court, the tournament got underway immediately. Unfortunately, the first two days brought an incredible amount of rain, and I was absolutely amazed at how quickly the courts dried out and became playable again despite the heavy downpour. And they were in fantastic condition!

In the singles competition, the first two matches were played in groups of three. I won one match decisively, while my opponent Anke, an old acquaintance from previous tournaments, clearly lost the other. It was great to see her again on the tennis court! In the subsequent knockout round, the semifinals, I had the pleasure of facing Sonja, the number one ranked player in Germany and eventual tournament winner, and had to acknowledge her superiority. It was still a great experience, though! In the mixed doubles, on the other hand, things went very well, and we even managed to secure first place in a small but excellent group of three, which also included an Austrian and a German-Lithuanian pair.

I was particularly impressed by the young tournament organizing team, who ran the tournament calmly and always remained friendly and cheerful. The towel, water, and banana service, which every player could use, was also fantastic. Everyone was well taken care of.

The entire tennis complex is enormous, but incredibly beautifully laid out, so even the longer walk to the back courts felt like a pleasant stroll. The sports bar in the World Class Racket Center was perfect for grabbing a drink with your opponent after a match or catching up with new and old friends over a chat about tennis. The Wilson Open 2026 came to a festive close with the final awards ceremony – a tournament that will surely remain a very special memory for everyone involved.

As a little bonus, I was able to complete a training session with Rosario from the Patricio Racket Academy. He was very dedicated and focused on one topic – it was a lot of fun.

The Ali Bey Club Manavgat - a unique tennis holiday paradise

Let me start by saying that the Ali Bey Club Manavgat set a new standard as a tennis holiday destination. And not just because of its World Class Racket Center with 59 tennis courts and 8 padel courts, currently under construction in the new pickleball courts. The sprawling complex with its two-story accommodation buildings feels like a small holiday town, beautifully landscaped. We had a Superior double room, which wasn't particularly large or luxurious, but had everything you need for a tennis holiday. The Ultra All Inclusive package was fantastic, including virtually all drinks around the clock. The food was delicious, varied, and beautifully presented, always offering plenty of local specialties. I also made frequent use of the sauna area – not huge, but perfectly adequate. The World Class Fitness Club, which is free to use, is a great feature. It's perfect for cycling and stretching before and especially after matches! 

The staff is truly a highlight of the club: I have rarely seen such consistently kind and friendly employees. From the restaurant staff to the gardener and the chambermaid – everyone always had a smile and a kind word.

Moving to the chic Ali Bey Resort Sorgun

After six days at the Ali Bey Club Manavgat, we moved to the Ali Bey Resort Sorgun, just a 15-minute drive away. Same hotel owner, but a completely different hotel experience. Upon arriving at the five-star hotel, you enter a beautifully landscaped botanical garden, where the four-story, elegantly designed room complexes are nestled. The pool areas, bars, and the restaurant, which is divided into several sections, offer every imaginable space and luxury.

The food was even a touch more exclusive than at the club. The restaurant itself was also very appealing – with many smaller tables and private, quiet seating areas. The room was very spacious and elegantly furnished with stucco details. 

The resort itself has three clay courts, and another 30 clay courts awaited us at the World Class Racket Center, just a 5-minute shuttle ride away. The facility is also beautifully landscaped, and the clubhouse and restaurant have all been completely renovated. We also played padel: both during a coaching session with Nelson from the Paricio Racket Academy and with tennis friends. We had fun with everything – the courts are in excellent condition. The five pickleball courts right by the sea are particularly lovely. Of course, we also tried our hand at pickleball, albeit only briefly. It was still fun, though!

An impressive meeting with Wolfgang Riedel

A highlight for me was meeting Wolfgang Riedel, the CEO and founder of Patricio Travel. Thirty years ago, Wolfgang founded his company, which is now the market leader in tennis holidays—or rather, racket sports and fitness holidays. After meeting Wolfgang, I was even less surprised by the company's current success, especially in these challenging times. Always forward-thinking, innovative, and striving for excellence, Patricio Travel is committed to continuous progress. I was impressed then, and I still am. Our interview will be available soon—stay tuned! 

My conclusion

It was simply 10 wonderful days of tennis with Patricio Travel: everything was perfectly organized, from the transfers and the tournament itself to the court bookings. Despite the changed circumstances, the tournament was a fantastic experience and practically begs for a repeat in 2027, again as an ITF tournament. I really enjoyed both hotels. If you prefer a sporty, relaxed atmosphere and like everything in one place, the Ali Bey Club Manavgat is ideal. For those who prefer something a bit more luxurious, quieter, and more private, I recommend the Ali Bey Resort Sorgun. Both destinations offer excellent facilities for racket sports.

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