Tennis is one of the most exciting sports to bet on, offering a variety of betting markets beyond simply picking the match winner. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bettor, understanding different tennis betting options can help you make smarter wagers and maximize your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular tennis betting markets and how to use them to your advantage.
1. Match Winner Bet
The most straightforward bet in tennis is the match winner market, where you simply pick which player will win the match.
Key Considerations:
- Look at head-to-head recordsbetween the players.
- Consider their current formand recent performances on the same surface.
- Check for injuries or fatigue, especially in Grand Slam tournaments where matches can be physically demanding.
Example:
If Novak Djokovic is playing against an unseeded player, he will likely be the favorite, and his odds will be shorter. However, if a rising star is in great form, backing them as an underdog could offer value.
2. Set Betting
Set betting allows you to wager on the exact score of a match in terms of sets.
Options Include:
- Predicting the exact set score(e.g., 2-0 or 3-1).
- Betting on a player to win a specific set.
- Over/Under Total Sets– wagering on whether a match will go over or under a certain number of sets.
Example:
If Rafael Nadal is playing on clay, he is known for winning in straight sets (2-0 or 3-0). Betting on this outcome could provide better odds than a simple match-winner bet.
3. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is popular in tennis, especially when one player is a heavy favourite.
- Game Handicap: The favourite must win by a certain number of games for the bet to win.
- Set Handicap: The favourite must win by a certain number of sets.
Example:
If Daniil Medvedev is a -4.5 game handicap favourite, he must win at least five more games than his opponent over the match. If he wins 6-3, 6-4 (total of 12-7 in games), your bet wins.
This is a great way to get better odds on a favourite or to back an underdog while still giving them a margin to lose.
4. Total Games Over/Under
Instead of betting on who will win, you can bet on how many total games will be played in a match.
- If two evenly matched players face off, betting on Over 21.5 total gamescould be a good option.
- If a top player faces a weak opponent, betting Under 18.5 total gamesmight be better, expecting a quick victory.
Example:
A match between two big servers like John Isner and Reilly Opelka is likely to have long sets and tiebreaks. Betting on Over 23.5 games would make sense.
5. Tiebreak in Match
Since some players are known for strong serving and weak returning, certain matches are likely to have a tiebreak.
- Betting on “Yes” for a tiebreakcan be profitable when two big servers play against each other.
- If a player like Novak Djokovic, who excels at breaking serve, is playing, betting “No” on a tiebreakmight be the better choice.
Example:
A match between Nick Kyrgios and Milos Raonic has a high chance of tiebreaks because both players rely on their serve.
6. First Set Winner
This market allows you to bet on which player will win the first set. It’s a great option if you expect a strong start from an underdog but aren’t sure they’ll win the entire match.
Factors to Consider:
- Some players start matches strong but fade later.
- If a top player is coming off a long match, they may struggle in the first set.
Example:
If an experienced player like Andy Murray is playing a young, aggressive opponent, the younger player might take the first set before Murray’s experience helps him turn the match around.
7. Live Betting (In-Play Markets)
Tennis is one of the best sports for live betting, as momentum shifts frequently.
Popular live betting options include:
- Betting on the winner of the next game.
- Predicting whether a break of servewill happen.
- Adjusting bets as players fatigue or recoverduring a match.
Example:
If a player loses the first set but is improving, betting on them to win the second set could offer good value.
8. Outright Tournament Winner
Instead of betting on individual matches, you can bet on a player to win the entire tournament.
- Best placed before a tournament starts for higher odds.
- If a player has an easy draw, they may have a better chance of reaching the final.
Example:
Carlos Alcaraz has a strong record on hard courts. If he has a favourable draw at the US Open, betting on him outright could be a smart choice.
9. Tennis Betting Online: Finding the Best Markets
With the rise of tennis betting online, sportsbooks now offer a wide range of markets, including player performance stats, unique prop bets, and customizable betting options. Many online betting sites also provide live streaming and cash-out features, giving you greater control over your bets. Comparing odds across different platforms ensures you always get the best value for your wagers.
Final Thoughts
Tennis offers a diverse range of betting markets, from simple match-winner bets to more strategic options like handicap betting and total games markets. Whether you’re backing a strong server in a tiebreak bet or analysing a player’s form for an outright tournament win, understanding these markets can help you make more informed and profitable bets.
