Player Guide 2026
Midnight Sun
ITF Masters
MT700 Helsinki — World-class Masters tennis in the heart of Finland’s brightest summer.
A word from the Tournament Director
Welcome – Same Midnight Sun, New Driver Behind the Wheel!
Before anything else, I want to say how proud I am of the team behind these tournaments. Events like Midnight Sun Tennis are never built by one person. They are created by volunteers, partners, officials, sponsors, friends, and countless people working behind the scenes. Together, we make it happen.Many of you have probably seen me over the years driving tournament cars, picking up players, carrying boxes, solving last-minute problems, or simply running around the venue trying to be in three places at once.This year, I have somehow ended up with a slightly different role. I have the privilege – and occasionally the mild panic – of serving as Tournament Director for Midnight Sun Tennis Helsinki and Vierumäki.
Looking back, it is quite funny. When I first started helping at the tournament, I certainly did not imagine that one day I would be responsible for the whole thing. Yet here we are.If you are worried that a new person behind the wheel means major changes, don't be. The things that make Midnight Sun Tennis special are staying exactly the same: great tennis, great people, international atmosphere, and the unique community that has been built around these events over the years.
Tennis has been one of the great loves of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of you may know me as a coach, some from previous tournaments, and some may have met me through completely different adventures. Whatever I do, it always comes back to people. The older I get, the more I realise that tournaments are not really about trophies or rankings. They are about friendships, stories, laughter, and the people you meet along the way.My goal is simple: to add a little Nordic hospitality, a little Estonian stubbornness, and a lot of positive energy to the week. If we can create great matches, new friendships, and memories that still make us smile next winter, I will consider the tournament a success.So welcome to Finland, welcome to Midnight Sun Tennis, and welcome to another unforgettable summer.See you on the courts!
Kadri-Ann Õunap
Tournament Director · Midnight Sun Tennis
Your host city
Welcome to Helsinki
Welcome to Finland, the happiest country in the world. A country where bright summer evenings, pristine nature, thousands of lakes, and the famous Finnish sisu are part of everyday life.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a relaxed seaside city where urban life and nature coexist effortlessly. Surrounded by the Baltic Sea and countless islands, Helsinki offers visitors a unique blend of Nordic design, culture, excellent cuisine, and easily accessible outdoor experiences – all within walking distance or a short journey away.
We hope you enjoy your time in Finland and experience the Finnish summer at its very best – bright nights, the maritime atmosphere of Helsinki, and the unique spirit that makes this country so special.
Happiest country
Seven years running, and counting.
Suomenlinna
A ferry ride to the UNESCO sea fortress.
Authentic sauna
The original Finnish way to unwind.
Tournament week
Schedule
July 18–19
Possible arrivals
The tournament organisers are preparing the courts during this time. Players may practice at their own expense by booking a court directly from the main venue. + 358 10 423 9960
July 20
Tournament starts
14:00–15:00 Official Opening Ceremony with Special Guest 14:15–14:45 Exhibition Doubles Match with Tournament Partners Press and media representatives in attendance. Court No. 3 reserved from 13:30 to 15:30.
July 20–24
Practice courts
Available at the main venue daily 08:00–08:45.
July 22
Players’ Party
Seurasaaren Juhlatalo, 19:30–22:30
Prize-givings, twice daily
Ceremonies at 13:00 and 18:00.
Special sponsor prizes are awarded daily — so prepare to be crowned “Most Sparkling”, “Longest Match” or another creative title!
Before you play
Registration
Who can play?
Open to all players in the 30+ age categories with a valid IPIN (international licence). No ranking limits.
How many categories can I enter?
A maximum of 3 events — any mix of singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
How to register
Registration runs through the official World Tennis Tour Zone.
- 1
Go to tourzone.world.tennis
- 2
Open the Masters Tour Calendar
- 3
Select 2026 › July › Finland › MT700 Helsinki
- 4
Login to World Tennis Tour Zone
- 5
Choose your event and click + Enter
What it costs
Entry fees
infoOn-site payments by card or by cash a 5 € administration fee will be added. Each player books their own flights and accommodation and must hold valid health/travel insurance for the tournament.
The entry fee includes
- check_circleConsolation draw for first-round singles losers
- check_circlePlayer gift — a tournament towel
- check_circleFree soft drinks during matches
- check_circleFree on-court physiotherapy assistance
- check_circleFree WiFi
account_balanceAdvance bank transfer
- IBAN
- FI43 4170 0040 0332 23
- Beneficiary
- United Tennis Community ry
- Reference
- “Helsinki+ Party ”
- BIC / SWIFT
- ITELFIHH
On court
Tournament format
Competition format
Knockout draw, round-robin group, or a combination — depending on the number of entries. A consolation draw is scheduled for players who lose their first match.
Match format
Best of 3 tie-break sets. For the 80–90 age groups: 2 tie-break sets and a 10-point match tie-break.
Age categories
Men’s & Women’s singles and doubles: 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80+. Adjacent age categories may be combined depending on the number of entries.
replayConsolation draw
For players who lose their first match (first or second round). Players are not entered automatically — report directly to the Referee if you wish to take part.
groups_2Age grouping
If grouped with a younger category and you’d prefer not to play, contact the Referee within 24 hours of the registration deadline. Organisers will inform players beforehand.
Where you’ll play
Venues & surfaces
Tali Tennis Center
Most doubles & mixed doubles on the newly renovated outdoor courts. Surface: artificial clay (Top Clay).
Kalastajatorppa Tennis Club
All singles, plus doubles/mixed semifinals & finals — on natural clay.
Rain plan
In bad weather, matches may move indoors to Tali Tennis Center.
Dress code
Look the part
Every player shall dress and present themselves in a professional manner. Clean and customarily acceptable tennis attire must be worn. Any player violating this rule may be ordered by the Court Official or Referee to change their attire or equipment immediately. Failure to comply may result in an immediate default.
blockNot acceptable
Collegepaidat, löysät verkkarishortsit, kuvalliset T-paidat tai muu vapaa-ajan vaatetus.
footprintFootwear
Proper tennis shoes that don’t damage the clay. The ITF Referee has final authority on compliance.
July 22 · 19:30–23:30
The Players’ Party
A premium buffet dinner by Chef Rôtisseur Eeva Kuutschin at the historic Seurasaaren Juhlatalo — on a beautiful island within walking distance of the main venue.
Private event – admission is limited to tournament players, their guests (avec), sponsors, event partners and tournament staff.
37 €/ 40€
player/ avec. per person · welcoming drink and live music
Summer casual
dress code
Book via the official webshop or by email — advance registration is required.
We recommend booking your spot by July 14.
Bank transfer to the tournament account, reference “Dinner Helsinki + Player Name”.
Where to stay
Official hotel
Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa
Kalastajatorpantie 1, 00330 Helsinki · +358 9 458 11 · helsinkikalastajatorppa@hilton.com
Single
115/135 €
Double / Twin
135/155 €
Triple
155/185 €
confirmation_numberBooking code G2MIDA
Book at hilton.com, search “Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa”, then enter the code under Special Rates / Group Code. Reservations require a credit-card guarantee and can also be requested by email by quoting the code.
self_improvementComplimentary for guests
- Tue · Didrichsen Art Museum visit
- Wed · Fun & Run8:30–9:30
- Thu · Yoga17:00–18:00
- Fri · Pilates17:00–18:00
- Sat · Yoga9:00–10:00
Hotel guests get a 15% voucher for Restaurant Meritorppa and free access to the sauna & pool. Non-guests can use the wellness/sauna facilities for 15 € (towel included).
Good to know
Important information
Emergency
112
ITF Referee · Tommi Heinonen
+358 45 671 8025
Tournament Director
+358 40 154 7844
Kalastajatorpan Tennisklubi
+358 (0)10 423 9960
Tali Tenniskeskus
+358 (0)9 565 6050
At both venues
Stringing · food · drinks
The tournament officials
The Referee
Tommi Heinonen (FIN)
White Badge
Ensures compliance with the rules of tennis and ITF regulations, oversees fair play, and is responsible for the accuracy of results. Intervenes on-court for rule interpretations only — not line calls.
+358 45 671 8025 · tommiltheinonen@gmail.com
Tournament Director
Kadri-Ann Õunap
Midnight Sun Tennis
Responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of the event — coordinating volunteers, managing sponsor relationships, negotiating hotel partnerships, and overseeing social activities and side events to ensure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.
+358 40 154 7844 · tennis@midnightsuntennis.com
With thanks to
Our partners
The Midnight Sun Tennis tournament is made possible by these wonderful partners.
Interested in partnering with the tournament?
handshakeBecome a partner