What on Earth Does Tennis Have to Do with The Odyssey?
Bill Simons from Inside Tennis just wrote a very interesting piece with the title above.
Click HERE if you'd like to read it.
In essence Bill Simons compares the journey of self discovery that Odysseus (Matt Damon) took with that of a tennis player throughout their career.Well worth a read.
I just saw the film, but it didn't work for me; You might love it so don't let me discourage you from seeing it, as the reviews appear to be mixed.
I did love the scenery but I only just realised (Laura told me) that they used the Santa Caterina castle on the beautiful island of Favignana. We spend a day on this wonderful island during our special hosted week in Trapani in September. The crew and cast of The Odyssey had to trek up the hill every day to shoot the film but don't worry; we enjoy a delightful granita and lunch at one of our favourite beach bars with a view of the castle. You can make the trek up if you like and wave to us from the top!
Places to eat in Trapani, Sicily
As with all our holidays a big part of the trip is eating in authentic local restaurants where Italians go.
In Trapani here are a few of our favourites:
CANTINA SICILIANA
It remains a local favourite despite Stanley Tucci visiting recently. It's famous for the best seafood couscous in the area. This dish is a regional classic with a strong Arab influence from the past.
RISTORANTE SANTA CHIARA 19
One of our favourites in Trapani where we usually end up for the final meal and awards. They even made us a lovely dessert last year.
They specialise in traditional Trapanese dishes.
EATING ON THE WALLS OF TRAPANI OVERLOOKING THE SEA
There are a few eating places along the walls of Trapani where you can enjoy a classic meal, an aperitivo or a pizza. There are many places to choose from, and they are very popular when the sun goes down.
2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Event
The US Open will soon be upon us with or without Alcaraz and Draper but let's hope that they both make it.
The controversial mixed event is happening again during the fans week prior to the start of the main draws. It certainly brought in a lot of fans last year which has to be a good thing.
On the plus side it allows us to see the famous singles players out of their comfort zone on a doubles court and the event is generally played in a great spirit allowing us to see the softer side of many personalities.
The main down side is that regular mixed doubles teams have fewer opportunities to compete at a slam, so I'd be hoping for Errani and Vavassori to win again.
Having Novak and Sabalenka play together will attract a lot of attention and no doubt lots of awkward dance moves from both of them!
It's a shame that the only couple on the tour, Mr. and Mrs. De Minaur, didn't make the cut.
Overall I'm for it but would rather that the US Open also included a normal mixed event.2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship pairs
WTA Player ATP Player
1. Aryna Sabalenka Novak Djokovic
2. Elena Rybakina Taylor Fritz
3. Mirra Andreeva Andrey Rublev
4. Iga Swiatek Casper Ruud
5. Belinda Bencic Flavio Cobolli
6. Diana Shnaider Daniil Medvedev
7. Amanda Anisimova Learner Tien
8. Alexandra Eala Felix Auger-Aliassime
9. Leylah Fernandez Frances Tiafoe
10. Taylor Townsend Alexander Zverev
11. Elena- Gabriela Ruse Nuno Borges
12. Jessica Pegula Jack Draper
13. Naomi Osaka Kei Nishikori
14. Sara Errani Andrea Vavassori
15. Katerina Siniakova Henry Patten
16. Peyton Stearns Preston Stearns
Bill Simons from Inside Tennis just wrote a very interesting piece with the title above.
Click HERE if you'd like to read it.
In essence Bill Simons compares the journey of self discovery that Odysseus (Matt Damon) took with that of a tennis player throughout their career.Well worth a read.
I just saw the film, but it didn't work for me; You might love it so don't let me discourage you from seeing it, as the reviews appear to be mixed.
I did love the scenery but I only just realised (Laura told me) that they used the Santa Caterina castle on the beautiful island of Favignana. We spend a day on this wonderful island during our special hosted week in Trapani in September. The crew and cast of The Odyssey had to trek up the hill every day to shoot the film but don't worry; we enjoy a delightful granita and lunch at one of our favourite beach bars with a view of the castle. You can make the trek up if you like and wave to us from the top!
Places to eat in Trapani, Sicily
As with all our holidays a big part of the trip is eating in authentic local restaurants where Italians go.
In Trapani here are a few of our favourites:
CANTINA SICILIANA
It remains a local favourite despite Stanley Tucci visiting recently. It's famous for the best seafood couscous in the area. This dish is a regional classic with a strong Arab influence from the past.
RISTORANTE SANTA CHIARA 19
One of our favourites in Trapani where we usually end up for the final meal and awards. They even made us a lovely dessert last year.
They specialise in traditional Trapanese dishes.
EATING ON THE WALLS OF TRAPANI OVERLOOKING THE SEA
There are a few eating places along the walls of Trapani where you can enjoy a classic meal, an aperitivo or a pizza. There are many places to choose from, and they are very popular when the sun goes down.
2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Event
The US Open will soon be upon us with or without Alcaraz and Draper but let's hope that they both make it.
The controversial mixed event is happening again during the fans week prior to the start of the main draws. It certainly brought in a lot of fans last year which has to be a good thing.
On the plus side it allows us to see the famous singles players out of their comfort zone on a doubles court and the event is generally played in a great spirit allowing us to see the softer side of many personalities.
The main down side is that regular mixed doubles teams have fewer opportunities to compete at a slam, so I'd be hoping for Errani and Vavassori to win again.
Having Novak and Sabalenka play together will attract a lot of attention and no doubt lots of awkward dance moves from both of them!
It's a shame that the only couple on the tour, Mr. and Mrs. De Minaur, didn't make the cut.
Overall I'm for it but would rather that the US Open also included a normal mixed event.2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship pairs
WTA Player ATP Player
1. Aryna Sabalenka Novak Djokovic
2. Elena Rybakina Taylor Fritz
3. Mirra Andreeva Andrey Rublev
4. Iga Swiatek Casper Ruud
5. Belinda Bencic Flavio Cobolli
6. Diana Shnaider Daniil Medvedev
7. Amanda Anisimova Learner Tien
8. Alexandra Eala Felix Auger-Aliassime
9. Leylah Fernandez Frances Tiafoe
10. Taylor Townsend Alexander Zverev
11. Elena- Gabriela Ruse Nuno Borges
12. Jessica Pegula Jack Draper
13. Naomi Osaka Kei Nishikori
14. Sara Errani Andrea Vavassori
15. Katerina Siniakova Henry Patten
16. Peyton Stearns Preston Stearns
Tennis & Padel Holiday – Trapani, Sicily
12–19 September & 19–26 September
(Adults Only)
Simply get yourself to Trapani, Sicily, and we'll do the rest! We can help you find accommodation to suit your budget, arrange airport transfers, and ensure you enjoy a fantastic week both on and off the court.
£595 per person (excluding flights and accommodation)
Your week includes:
If your partner or friend would prefer a relaxing holiday without the sport but would like to join in the social activities and excursion, they're very welcome.
For more information or to reserve your place, please contact [email protected]
Visit our website HERE for more information.
12–19 September & 19–26 September
(Adults Only)
Simply get yourself to Trapani, Sicily, and we'll do the rest! We can help you find accommodation to suit your budget, arrange airport transfers, and ensure you enjoy a fantastic week both on and off the court.
£595 per person (excluding flights and accommodation)
Your week includes:
- 20+ hours of organised tennis & padel
- Professional coaching and game-based sessions
- Tennis doubles clinic
- Social tennis and fun padel sessions (beginners welcome)
- Tennis & padel tournament with prizes
- Welcome drink on Saturday evening
- Daily morning transfers to the tennis club
- Free use of padel rackets
- On the Wednesday a day trip to the beautiful island of Favignana which includes boat trip, bike hire and a guided tour
- Ian & Laura's support throughout the week
- Away from the courts, you'll have time to discover the beautiful historic town of Trapani, enjoy the local restaurants and seafront, and spend a relaxing day exploring the stunning island of Favignana, including ferry tickets and bike hire.
- A group dinner is arranged on Monday evening, with a final awards dinner on Friday to celebrate the week together (meals not included).
If your partner or friend would prefer a relaxing holiday without the sport but would like to join in the social activities and excursion, they're very welcome.
For more information or to reserve your place, please contact [email protected]
Visit our website HERE for more information.
