As one of the best sports betting markets on the planet, tennis offers endless excitement, countless opportunities to test your skill, and an infinite number of bets for avid sports gamblers. What’s great about tennis bets is the variety of markets available, whether it’s a Grand Slam final or a smaller tournament. The international tennis calendar provides year-round betting opportunities. However, navigating these betting markets can be daunting for beginners or those looking to enhance their strategies.
Let’s explore the biggest tennis betting markets, how they work, and how you can make smarter bets while supporting your favorite players.
Match-winner bets
The match-winner bet is the most simple and well-known tennis wager. You are betting on the player who will win the match. This is a straightforward option, especially for newcomers to tennis betting who may not be familiar with more complex bets like handicaps or over/under numbers.
Matchups between the highest-rated player and an underdog can vary significantly. Even when the favorite seems like the best bet, there are no guarantees, especially in tournaments with fast surfaces and higher odds.
Set betting
Set betting adds an extra layer of excitement for those looking to elevate their tennis betting experience. In this market, you bet not only on the match winner but also on the set-by-set outcome. For example, you could bet on a player winning 2-0 in a best-of-three match or 3-1 in a best-of-five match, depending on the tournament.
Set betting can be riskier but more rewarding than a simple match-winner bet. If you have insight into a player’s physical condition and ability to endure long matches, you can capitalize on this market.
Total games (over/under)
Over/under total games is another popular market in tennis betting. In this market, the sportsbook predicts the total number of games that will be played in a match, and you must decide whether the actual number will be higher (over) or lower (under).
This market is ideal for fast-paced matches where you can either win multiple games with each opponent or predict a dominant performance from one player. It’s useful when you’re uncertain about the match outcome but have a sense of how long it might last.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting adds a new level of strategy to tennis bets. The handicap is used to level the playing field between a favorite and an underdog. Essentially, the favorite player starts with a games or sets disadvantage, while the underdog receives an advantage.
In handicap betting, players must overcome the handicap to win the bet. This market is useful when you believe the match will be closer than the odds suggest or when a favorite is expected to win but not by a wide margin.
Direct tournament betting
Direct tournament betting allows you to bet on the overall tournament winner rather than individual matches. This market appeals to bettors who take a long-term view of the tournament.
Outright odds in tournament betting can be higher than in single-match bets, especially in the early stages of the tournament. However, unpredictable events like wild cards or injuries can impact the tournament outcome.
One approach to tournament betting is to focus on players who perform consistently in certain tournaments or on specific surfaces. Betting on multiple players across different sections of the draw can help mitigate risk while providing potential rewards.
Live bets
Live betting, or in-play betting, has revolutionized tennis betting. Tennis, with its high-scoring nature and momentum changes, is well-suited for live betting. This form of betting allows you to wager on outcomes like the next game, set, or point during a match. Live betting requires focus and quick decision-making, as odds can change rapidly based on the game conditions.
To succeed in live betting, you must closely monitor the match, identify trends, and understand how players react under pressure. Recognizing players’ hot streaks or struggles under pressure can lead to successful live bets.
My evaluation of bookies
When choosing where to place your tennis bets, not all sportsbooks are equal. Factors like safety, odds, and market variety are crucial when selecting a betting site. Access to a wide range of tennis markets ensures you never miss out on betting opportunities.
Consider looking for sideline bets, which allow you to wager on various side events related to tennis. Features like site navigation speed, tennis-specific bonuses, and live betting can enhance your betting experience. Customer service, security, and easy payment options are also important factors to consider.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of tennis betting involves understanding your options and using your tennis knowledge to place informed bets. Whether you prefer simple match-winner bets or more advanced markets like handicaps or tournament betting, staying informed and managing your bankroll are key to successful tennis betting. With so many markets to choose from, every serve, rally, and ace can be an opportunity to add excitement to your betting experience.
