How to Bet on Tennis

With Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal nearing the end of their storied careers, tennis bettors will have to adapt from the time-honored strategy of betting only on the big three.

To help you venture into a new world of tennis betting, with more competition than we’ve seen in years, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to bet on tennis. From tennis betting rules to helpful examples and tips, we’re here to answer all your questions whether they’re on grass, clay, or hard court.

How to Read Tennis Odds

Understanding tennis odds is a vital first step for tennis betting enthusiasts. Tennis odds are typically displayed in the American odds format, the same format used in many popular US sports. This format uses plus and minus signs to signify the underdog and favorite.

For the underdog, the plus sign indicates the potential profit you could make on a $100 bet. For example, if an underdog has odds of +200, a $100 bet could yield a $200 profit if they win.

Conversely, favorites are denoted by a minus sign, representing the amount you need to wager to potentially make a $100 profit. If a favorite has odds of -150, you’d need to bet $150 to potentially earn a $100 profit.

Let’s illustrate this with an example. Imagine a match between Roger Federer, the underdog with odds of +180, and Rafael Nadal, the favorite with odds of -220. Betting $100 on Federer and his subsequent victory could potentially yield a $180 profit. And wagering $220 on Nadal would potentially bring you a $100 profit if he wins.

How Do Sportsbooks Set Tennis Betting Lines?

Sportsbooks employ a multifaceted approach when setting tennis betting lines, factoring in various elements to ensure the odds are both accurate in predicting outcomes and profitable for the sportsbook. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but rather a comprehensive analysis involving multiple variables.

Player-specific statistics play a significant role in determining the odds. Metrics such as serve speed, break point conversion rates, and winning percentages provide valuable insights into how different playing styles match up. Sportsbooks use these stats to determine the odds for each player in a match.

The choice of court surface is another pivotal factor. Tennis tournaments are played on various surfaces, including clay, grass, and hard courts. Players may excel on specific surfaces due to their playing style. For instance, those who thrive in baseline rallies may perform better on clay, while serve-and-volley experts may prefer grass. Sportsbooks consider these surface preferences when establishing betting lines.

Weather conditions can also significantly affect tennis matches. Some players may perform better in specific weather conditions, while others may struggle. Betting sites take these factors into account to ensure accurate odds.

Tennis Sports Betting Examples

Tennis betting isn’t the hardest concept in the world to understand, but it still helps to look at some examples. Below we’ve created some tennis-specific cases for each of the most popular bet types you’re likely to come across. Each one doesn’t just offer a solid example, but also a well-researched explanation behind the pick.

Moneyline

In tennis, a moneyline bet stands as one of the most straightforward and popular betting forms. It strips away complexities, focusing solely on predicting the match’s outcome. When placing a tennis moneyline bet, you’re not concerned with point spreads or margins of victory; you’re making a straightforward wager on who will win the match.

As an example, let’s consider the Australian Open and place a moneyline bet on the rising star Carlos Alcaraz to win the tournament at favorable +250 odds. If you wager $100 on Alcaraz and he emerges victorious, your bet could yield $250 in profit, practically doubling your initial investment.

Also, one specific case in tennis you might run into is a walkover. This is when a player withdraws before the match, so their opponent gets an automatic win. In this scenario, all bets would be void and you’d get your original deposit back.

Match Spread

The match spread is a tennis betting approach frequently used to balance the contest between players of differing perceived strengths. It presents the bookmaker’s projection of the favored player’s winning margin, often calculated in games.

For instance, in a match between Novak Djokovic and Frances Tiafoe during the French Open, the spread might be -4.5, indicating an anticipated substantial victory for Djokovic. If Tiafoe loses the match by a score like 6-5, 6-4, 6-5, he still covers the spread because he lost by fewer than five games.

Set Spread

Set spread betting operates similarly to match spread betting, but instead of gauging the number of games, it assesses the number of sets. Since a men’s tennis match can extend up to five sets, set spread betting can be riskier. It often entails wagering on a player not losing a single set.

In a Wimbledon match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer, if the set spread favors Federer at -1.5, he must win the match 3-1 or 3-0 to secure a winning bet. The actual set scores themselves don’t matter, making this form of betting both thrilling and challenging.

Over/Under

Over/under bets in tennis revolve around predicting the total number of sets or games played in a match rather than the match’s outcome. This type of bet is all about estimating whether the total will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook. It’s a fantastic way to gauge how closely contested a match might be without committing to a specific winner.

Imagine you’re betting on a US Open match between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, with the sportsbook setting the over/under line at 22.5 games. If you believe this will be a closely fought match with a lot of back-and-forth, you’d bet the over. On the other hand, if you think one player will win quite comfortably, you’d bet the under.

Futures

Futures betting in tennis takes you beyond the confines of individual games, inviting you to place wagers on events with long-term outcomes, often concerning major tournaments. These bets require patience as they may take an entire season to unfold. When delving into tennis futures, diversification is a key strategy. Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket, it’s prudent to spread your bets across multiple potential winners.

Let’s say you plan to bet on the winner of the French Open, consider placing bets on various clay court experts like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff. This way, you increase your chances of securing a winning bet as these long-term events progress.

Parlays

Parlays in tennis present an exhilarating option for bettors. A parlay is a multi-leg bet combining multiple selections into a single wager. It offers the potential for higher payouts but comes with a catch – you must get every selection correct to win. This inherent risk adds an element of thrill, making parlays an attractive choice for those with a taste for adventure.

An intriguing parlay might involve betting on Carlos Alcaraz to win the US Open, Ben Shelton to reach the quarterfinals, Daniel Medvedev to deliver at least 10 aces, and Andrey Rublev to secure his opening match victory by a margin of at least four games. These combinations help you focus on multiple games and aspects of the tournament, making for a more enjoyable experience.

Props

Short for proposition bets, props bring a different flavor to tennis wagering. Unlike traditional bets linked to a match’s final outcome, prop bets zero in on specific player or team performances within the game. In tennis, this could encompass a wide range of variables.

You can bet on the number of aces a player will serve during a match, the count of double faults, or even predict the victor of each individual point. Prop bets introduce a layer of precision and granularity to tennis betting, allowing you to engage deeply with the nuances of the game.

Live Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is the practice of wagering on a tennis match while it unfolds. It opens the door to unique opportunities for bettors, enabling real-time reactions to developments on the court.

Imagine you initially placed a bet on one tennis player to win, but during the first set, you notice they’ve suffered a slight injury, impacting their performance. In such a scenario, live betting empowers you to hedge your original bet by placing a new wager on their opponent.

Tennis Betting Tips

So, you can reliably hit a serve and your backhand is coming along, good work! But if you really want to hang with the pros, it’s time to learn some more intermediate concepts. These tips aren’t for the betting experts, but rather solid fundamental tennis betting advice that will help you make reliable decisions.

They also aren’t tennis-specific, the last few relate to financial betting advice that you should use no matter what sport you’re wagering on.

Have Multiple Options

Tennis tournaments, with their multitude of participants, often create a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Betting on a single player can be a risky venture. To mitigate this risk, consider diversifying your options. Spread your bets across a few players who demonstrate promise based on factors like the tournament bracket, recent form, and analytical insights.

Think of it as increasing your chances of hitting that winning shot. By diversifying, you’re not just hedging your bets but also maximizing your potential for profit in the ever-exciting world of tennis betting.

Think About the Court Type

Tennis is unique in that different surfaces, such as clay, grass, and hard court, influence how the game unfolds. Players excel on specific surfaces due to variations in ball bounce, speed, and movement.

For instance, clay courts favor slower rallies, benefiting players with a strong defensive game like Rafael Nadal. Conversely, grass courts demand finesse and adaptability, suiting players with quick, low-bouncing serves.

Before placing your bets, assess how each player performs on the given surface. This understanding can provide valuable insights into potential upset opportunities and enhance your chances of tennis betting success.

Choose Underdogs Carefully

In major tournaments, top-ranked players are often in peak form and present formidable challenges for underdogs. However, in smaller tournaments where the focus is more on maintaining form and fitness, opportunities arise for highly motivated underdogs.

Keep a sharp eye out for emerging players who are on a hot streak and exhibit unwavering determination to upset the established order. These underdog stories can translate into profitable betting opportunities, especially when the conditions are right.

Consider Opponents Playstyle

Professional tennis players each bring their unique flair and approaches to the game. Understanding how top players perform in various situations is key to predicting their future success.

For example, when a favorite renowned for a powerful serve faces an underdog known for expertly returning shots, consider placing a strategic bet on the underdog. Their style may prove advantageous in the matchup. By evaluating player dynamics and game styles, you can make well-informed bets that align with your tennis betting strategy.

Use Data Whenever Possible

In the realm of tennis betting, precision is anchored in the power of data. Elevate your betting game by anchoring your picks in comprehensive statistical analysis. Dive deep into player-specific data, scrutinizing metrics such as serve percentages, break point conversions, and overall match performance.

This analytical approach unveils player strengths and vulnerabilities, granting you a tactical edge in identifying hidden betting opportunities. By harnessing data-driven insights, you increase the accuracy and potential profitability of your tennis wagers.

Bonuses are Your Friend

Bonuses and promotions are your secret allies in the journey to becoming a successful tennis bettor. Virtually every sportsbook extends tempting offers like free bets, welcome bonuses, or cashback promotions. These incentives provide you with an edge by furnishing additional funds to wager with or serving as a safety net against potential losses.

Some bookmakers may offer a tennis parlay insurance promotion that could rescue you from a loss if your parlay misses by just one leg. By leveraging these bonuses and promos, you enhance your chances of making profitable tennis bets.

Shop for the Best Odds

Not all odds are created equal in the world of sports betting. To maximize your profits, it’s crucial to shop around and seek out the best odds for your wagers. Different tennis sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds for the same event, so comparing and selecting the most favorable ones is a prudent approach.

For example, if you intend to place a parlay on a tennis match and find odds of +450 on FanDuel, +455 on DraftKings, and +475 on BetMGM, choosing BetMGM would provide you with a higher potential return. While these differences may appear small, they accumulate over time, adding to your overall profit margin.

Know When to Stop

One of the cardinal rules of successful sports betting is setting and respecting limits. This rule becomes even more crucial when dealing with a smaller bankroll. Establish clear daily, weekly, or monthly betting limits that align with your financial situation and risk tolerance. Adhering to these limits helps protect your bankroll, preventing impulsive bets that exceed your means.

If you decide to set a weekly betting limit of $100, this ensures you won’t wager more than you can afford to lose. Such discipline safeguards your bankroll so that your sports betting experience remains enjoyable, sustainable, and financially responsible.