Betting on tennis offers a unique and exciting way to engage with the sport, whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game. With matches happening year-round across various tournaments, tennis betting provides plenty of opportunities to capitalize on your knowledge of the sport. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tennis betting, including popular betting markets, live betting strategies, and tips for success.
Introduction to Tennis Betting
Tennis betting has grown in popularity over the years, fueled by the sport's global appeal and the availability of betting options.
The history of tennis betting dates back to the early 20th century, with traditional bookmakers offering odds on major tournaments. Today, the rise of online betting platforms has made it easier than ever to place bets on tennis matches from anywhere in the world.
The appeal of tennis betting lies in the sport's fast pace, individual matchups, and the variety of betting markets available. Bettors can place wagers on everything from match outcomes to individual player performances, providing a wide range of opportunities to test your predictive skills.
Betting Available Competitions
Tennis is a year-round sport with tournaments held across the globe, offering bettors a wealth of opportunities to place wagers.
Some of the most popular competitions for tennis betting include the four Grand Slam tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. These events attract the world's top players and generate significant betting interest.
Other key tournaments include the ATP Tour and WTA Tour events, such as the Masters 1000 series and WTA1000 series, which feature high-level competition and offer numerous betting opportunities. Additionally, the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup(Former name:Fed Cup) provide team-based competitions that add a different dimension to tennis betting.
Popular tournaments
Gland Slam
- The Australian Open(Jan , Australia)
- The French Open(May , France)
- The Wimbledon(Jun, UK)
- The US Open(Aug, USA)
Masters
- The BNP Paribas Open(Mar, USA)
- The Miami Open(Mar, USA)
- The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters(Apr, Monaco)
- The Mutua Madrid Open(May, Spain)
- The Internazionali BNL d’Italia(May, Italy)
- The Rogers Cup(Jul, Canada)
- The Western & Southern Open(Aug, USA)
- The Shanghai Rolex Masters(Oct, China)
- The BNP Paribas Masters(Oct, France)
Tour Finals
- ATP World Tour Finals(Nov)
- WTA Finals(Late Oct - Early Nov)
Tennis Betting Markets
Tennis offers a wide range of betting markets, allowing bettors to explore various strategies and approaches. Here are some popular tennis betting markets.
Match Winner
This is the simplest and most common tennis bet. You are betting on which player will win the match outright. Odds reflect the bookmaker's assessment of each player’s chances, based on factors like form, head-to-head records, and surface preference.
Set Betting
In set betting, you predict the exact final score in terms of sets. For example, in a best-of-three match, you might bet on one player winning 2-0 or 2-1. This market requires a good understanding of each player’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Total Games
This market involves betting on whether the total number of games in a match will be over or under a specific number set by the bookmaker. For example, if the line is set at 22.5 games, you can bet on whether the match will have more or fewer games than this number.
It’s important to consider factors like player serving strength and potential for long rallies.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting in tennis is used to level the playing field between a favorite and an underdog. The bookmaker gives a hypothetical advantage or disadvantage to a player, expressed as a number of games (e.g., -3.5 games). The favorite must win by more than this margin for the bet to succeed.
Game Handicap
Similar to match handicap betting, but focused on the total number of games won by each player. For example, you might bet on a player to win with a -2.5 game handicap, meaning they must win at least three more games than their opponent for the bet to succeed.
Set Handicap
Similar to game handicap betting, but applied to sets. You bet on a player to win with a certain set handicap, such as -1.5 or +1.5 sets, meaning they need to win by a margin of at least two sets or lose by no more than one set.
First Set Winner
This bet involves predicting which player will win the first set of the match. It’s a popular market because the first set can often set the tone for the match. This market is particularly appealing when one player is known for strong starts.
Correct Score
In this market, you bet on the exact scoreline in sets, such as a 2-1 or 3-0 victory. Correct score bets offer higher odds due to their difficulty, requiring precise predictions about how the match will unfold.
Tie Break in Match
Here, you bet on whether a tiebreak will occur in the match. This market is particularly popular in men’s tennis, where serve-dominated matches can often lead to tiebreaks. Bettors should consider factors like the players’ serving abilities and their history in tiebreaks.
Double Result
Double result betting combines the outcome of the first set with the outcome of the match. For example, you might bet on a player to win the first set but lose the match, or to win both the first set and the match. This market offers more complexity and potentially higher rewards.
Total Sets
This market involves betting on the total number of sets played in a match. Bettors predict whether the match will go over or under a specific number of sets, usually 2.5 in a best-of-three match or 3.5 in a best-of-five match.
Exact Games Won
In this market, you bet on the exact number of games a player will win in a match. It requires precise predictions and offers higher odds due to its difficulty.
First Break of Serve
Bettors wager on which player will break their opponent’s serve first in the match. This market can be influenced by the players' serving and returning abilities, as well as their performance under pressure.
Game to Deuce
In this market, bettors predict whether a specific game in a match will go to deuce. A game reaches deuce when both players have won at least three points (40-40). This market is popular for its simplicity and the potential for quick results.
Outright Winner
An outright winner bet involves predicting which player will win an entire tournament. This is a long-term bet, often placed before the tournament begins. It requires bettors to consider the draw, player form, potential matchups, and how well each player performs on the tournament surface.
Tennis Live Betting
Live betting, or in-play betting, is particularly popular in tennis due to the sport's fast pace and frequent changes in momentum. This type of betting allows you to place wagers on a match as it unfolds, taking advantage of fluctuating odds and real-time developments.
The appeal of live betting lies in its dynamic nature, enabling bettors to react to a player's form, injuries, or changes in weather conditions that could impact the outcome.
Bettors can place live bets on markets such as the next game winner, total games in a set, or even specific points within a game. To succeed in live betting, it's essential to stay focused, make quick decisions, and have a deep understanding of the players and their tendencies.
Popular Betting Markets For Live Tennis Games
- Match - Win / Lose
- Win / Lose the current set
- Win / Lose the next set
- Win / Lose the current game
- Win / Lose the next game
- To win the current set and win the game
- To win the current set and lose the game
- To lose the current set and win the game
- To win the game Serve - Love
- To lose the game to Serve - Love
- To win a love game
- To break serve
- To Hold serve
How to Bet on Tennis
Betting on tennis involves several key steps to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here's a step-by-step guide.
- Choose a Reputable Online Bookmaker: Select a licensed and trustworthy bookmaker that offers competitive odds and a wide range of tennis markets.
- Create an Account and Deposit Funds: Register for an account with the bookmaker and deposit funds using your preferred payment method.
- Research and Analyze Matches: Study player form, head-to-head records, surface preferences, and other relevant factors to make informed betting decisions.
- Select Your Bets: Choose your preferred betting markets, such as match winner or total games, based on your analysis.
- Place Your Bets: Enter the stake amount and confirm your bets on the bookmaker's platform.
- Monitor the Match: Keep track of your bets during the match, especially if engaging in live betting, to adjust your strategy if needed.
- Withdraw Winnings: If your bets are successful, withdraw your winnings to your account or reinvest them in future bets.
Tips for Winning Tennis Bets
Winning at tennis betting requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and discipline. Here are some tips to enhance your betting success.
- Research and Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest player news, injuries, and match conditions to make informed decisions.
- Understand the Markets: Familiarize yourself with different tennis betting markets and identify those that align with your betting style.
- Analyze Player Form and Matchups: Study recent performances, head-to-head records, and surface preferences to gain insights into potential outcomes.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses or place impulsive bets.
- Look for Value Bets: Identify bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the actual probability of the outcome occurring.
- Stay Disciplined: Maintain a consistent betting strategy based on research and analysis, and avoid letting emotions influence your decisions.
We recommend you check the ATP and WTA official sites to keep track of players' current forms, stats, and injury reports to make the right pick to bet. Also, check Tennis Explorer, one of the most valuable websites for tennis betting, which you can research each player's performance at each tournament, head-to-head records, etc.
Conclusion
Tennis betting is an exciting and potentially rewarding activity that enhances the thrill of watching matches. By understanding the various markets, employing effective strategies, and betting responsibly, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the experience to the fullest. Remember to stay informed, manage your bankroll wisely, and approach betting with a disciplined mindset to maximize your enjoyment and potential profits.
