Hangon Tenniskerho (HTK) is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Finland. Its roots go back to the late 19th century, when the sport arrived in the country with visitors from the Russian Empire’s spas. At that time, Hanko was an international resort town, where the sea, the Casino, and spa culture also brought along the first tennis rackets and nets.
From a rich history to the present day
HTK’s Chairman of the Board, Leif Wikström, explains that tennis first arrived in Hanko through Russian spa tourists. The first courts were built near the Casino, and HTK, founded in 1911, was also one of the founding members of the Finnish Tennis Association. “Tennis was initially a pastime of the wealthy and spa guests, but today it is open to everyone. Hanko is one of the few cities where tennis can be played year-round at an affordable cost and in high-quality conditions. Tennis therefore entered Finland through Hanko,” Wikström emphasizes. The club has survived disruptions caused by wars and grown into an active, internationally connected community with its own indoor tennis hall and ten clay courts.
From volunteer work to professionalism
Risto Alén became involved in the club in the early 2000s when his children started playing tennis. “In the beginning, everything was purely volunteer-based. In 2017, we hired our first full-time employee, and that’s when I started as executive director. Since then, we’ve built a long-term coaching system,” Alén says. Today, the club employs several coaches, organizes more than twenty tournaments annually, and cooperates with schools. Hanko High School also offers a dedicated tennis track that allows students to combine training with academic studies.
Competitions and the junior pathway
Ville-Heikki Talvenmaa, Head of Coaching and Competitions, has been with the club since 2019. He is an internationally trained tennis coach and referee who knows Hanko’s competition courts well. “Several tournaments are organized in Hanko every year – from junior events to international senior competitions. This brings thousands of players and visitors to the city,” Talvenmaa explains.
HTK is one of the most active competition organizers in Finland. The club offers players the opportunity to develop in their hometown without needing to relocate to larger cities. “Here, you can train, grow and develop all the way to the top. Mental coaching is an essential part of the overall approach – in tennis, players challenge themselves every day,” Talvenmaa says.
Tennis as a living culture
HTK’s impact extends far beyond the tennis courts. Its competitions and training activities bring an estimated 4,000–5,000 visitors to the Hanko area each year.“We don’t aim for profit – instead, we reinvest everything back into developing the sport and the facilities. At the same time, we support local tourism and strengthen community spirit,” Alén explains.
Wikström concludes:“Hanko and tennis are a perfect match – the sea, history and sports culture go hand in hand here. We waited more than a hundred years for our own indoor hall, and now it has finally become a reality. Tennis is a living culture in Hanko.”
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