Two international tennis ITF professional tournaments to be played in Kotka in May
27.1.2025 | Kotka is preparing to offer top tennis fans a tennis-filled May as two ITF World Tennis Tour professional tournaments will be played in the city. The events will be organised by Smash-Kotka after a break of more than 10 years.
The Soluni Ladies Tennis Open will be played from 12-18 May and immediately afterwards the following week, from 19-25 May, the men’s professional players will take to the courts for the Kotka Open tournament. The prize money for both tournaments is $15 000.
Competition Director Pasi Ahti is excited about the return of professional tennis to Kotka.
“It’s a pleasure and an honour to organise both the men’s and, for the first time, the women’s professional tennis tournaments in Kotka after a break of more than 10 years. The previous tournaments in Kotka attracted players from all over the world and many of them have great summer memories of the maritime city.”
The competitions will be held in consecutive weeks in Kotka, which is also a big effort by the club and other partners of the competition.
“For our small race organisation, this is a tight squeeze throughout the spring. The arrangements have got off to a good start, as we have already at this stage found excellent main cooperation and accommodation partners. And from previous experience, we know that the Tennis Federation and the Smash organisation will provide good back-up support throughout the process. I wish everyone a warm welcome to Kotka in May to watch top international tennis.” Ahti concludes.
Kotka provides the setting for professional tennis
In Finland, the number of professional competitions has increased in recent years. In 2025, there will be three women’s and 2-3 men’s $15 000 ITF tournaments in Finland, plus one higher level women’s $30 000 ITF tournament.
The lower level professional competitions will serve as a springboard to the international scene and provide opportunities for top domestic players. They also bring the sport closer to the consumer.
The organisation of two professional competitions in the city is made possible by partners. The City of Kotka is strongly involved in supporting the events as the main partner. Kari Makkonen, the city’s liaison manager, is delighted about the international competitions in Kotka.
“We originally talked about the possibility of having one professional tournament, either for men or women, in Kotka and it is great that there are now two tournaments. Thanks to our successful players such as Harri Heliövaara, Otto Virtanen and Eemil Ruusuvuori, tennis is taking off in Finland and it’s great that we will also be able to play our part in this success story in Kotka,” Makkonen says.
Soluni Oy, the title sponsor of the Soluni Ladies Tennis Open, which will be held for the first time in May, is enthusiastically supporting the women’s tournament. Managing Director Teemu Penttilä is delighted with the cooperation.
“We have been supporting the sport at various levels for a long time. Women’s sport in particular is a matter close to our hearts, and we are therefore proud to be a sponsor of the ITF professional tournament.”
Soluni Oy (formerly Arctic Nutrition) focuses on health and well-being: when our cells are well, we are well. That’s why Soluni offers supplements and energy drinks containing hundreds of natural nutrients.
W15 ITF WORLD TENNIS TOUR | KOTKA Avautuu uuteen ikkunaan
M15 ITF WORLD TENNIS TOUR | KOTKA