Introduction to Tennis Betting Trends
Tennis is one of the most bet-on sports in the world, as billions were wagered on the sport every year even before the American legal gambling market took off.
Grand Slams like the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open are the highlights of the tennis calendar, but the ATP and WTA tour events provide year-round betting opportunities.
Whether you're following your favorite players or watching matches from around the world, tennis offers unique betting opportunities with its head-to-head format and in-play betting markets.
This guide offers knowledge about the sport's wager types and some basic principles to help you place bets on tennis with confidence.
Tennis Betting Markets
There are a number of tennis bet types offered by various sportsbooks, but below, you'll find a summary of some of the most common markets you are likely to encounter with real-world examples of how those bets might look.
Bet Type | Explanation | Example |
Match Winner | Bet on which player will be the outright winner of the match | Betting on Carlos Alcaraz (-150) to beat Daniil Medvedev |
Set Betting | Bet on the exact score in sets | Betting on Coco Gauff to win 2-0 (+120) |
Game Spread | Bet on the margin of games won | Betting Rafael Nadal -4.5 games (-110) |
Set Spread | Bet on the margin of sets won | Betting Aryna Sabalenka -1.5 sets (+110) |
Total Games | Bet on the total number of games in the match | Betting over 22.5 games (-110) in a Djokovic vs Medvedev match |
First Set Winner | Bet on who wins the opening set | Betting on Ons Jabeur (+130) to win the first set |
Set Score | Bet on the exact score within a set | Betting on a 6-4 score (+400) in the first set |
Player Props | Bet on player performance metrics | Betting on John Isner over 15.5 aces (-110) |
Tournament Winner | Futures bet on the tournament champion | Betting on Alcaraz (+500) to win Wimbledon |
Live Betting | Bets placed during the match | Betting on Świątek (+150) after losing the first set |
Parlay | Combining multiple bets | Combining Gauff to win (-200) and over 20.5 games (+100) |
Most Review Tennis Sportsbooks
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- App speeds vary for some users
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting
- Efficient & secure payments
- Strong security measures
- Mobile app connectivity issues
- Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
- Promotional restrictions
- Available in many U.S. States and Canada
- Numerous betting markets
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues
- Promotions are timely and change rapidly
- Connectivity issues on betting app
- Extensive Market Reach.
- Unmatched Fan Engagement.
- Live betting.
- Digital media bohemeth.
- Limited live streaming.
- Connectivity issues on betting apps.
Tennis Betting Trends and Principles
Trends in tennis betting are changing all the time, as they are with all kinds of sports betting. When you are wagering on tennis matches, these are the types of tendencies you should be looking for.
There's no set of tennis betting tips that guarantee profitability, but these are the kinds of factors that tennis bettors consider:
- Surface Specialists: Different players excel on different surfaces. Rafael Nadal's record at Roland Garros on clay (112-3) is arguably the most dominant surface-specific record in tennis history, but there are less dramatic examples, and it's always worth looking into how a player has faired on a specific surface. Even if a player isn't truly dominant on any individual surface, the variance in his performance in different environments is notable. Casper Ruud's winning percentage on different surfaces is a notable current example:
- Head-to-Head Records: Historical matchups matter in tennis. For example, as of January 2025, Daniil Medvedev was 11-2 against Alexander Zverev in their last 13 matches despite having a worse ATP ranking (5) than his rival (2). That information is important to know when betting.
- Recent Form: Current form can mean more than historical form. For example, Carlos Alcaraz went 33-6 to start 2024 and won two of the first three Grand Slam tournaments. When a player performs at that level, he can be extremely appealing to bet on, even if his career track record doesn't match that excellent form.
- Physical Condition and Fatigue: Players competing in back-to-back tournaments or long matches often underperform. In 2013, Novak Djokovic played a legendary semifinal match that took nearly five hours to complete. When he reached the final, he lost in straight sets. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to a player's previous schedule before placing wagers.
- Study Tournament Conditions: Indoor/outdoor environments, altitude, and tennis ball type can all impact results. One notable tournament with unusual conditions is the Madrid Open. Because it's a high-altitude event, players with impressive serving speeds tend to thrive.
- Don't Ignore Weather Conditions: Weather can be a significant factor in outdoor events. High winds can make it difficult to control serves, light rain can affect the way the ball bounces on clay courts, and humidity can make it harder for players to perform well in long matches. Remember to check the weather report before placing any bets.
Responsible Gambling Best Practices for Tennis Betting
No matter how well you identify and bet on statistical trends, it is important to use responsible gambling practices whenever you bet.
- Set a Budget: Decide in advance how much money you're willing to spend and never exceed that number. It is unwise to have your budget exceed 1-5% of your disposable income.
- Use Betting/Loss Limits: You can use tools available at major online sportsbooks to make your budgeting stricter. Betting limits put a hard ceiling on what can be wagered on a single bet or session, while loss limits prevent you from losing more than you can afford. Sometimes, when you watch sports, you may be tempted to spontaneously bet, but these tools can keep you on track.
- Time Management: Only gamble for a certain amount of time, and be ready to walk away and take breaks. Many sportsbooks offer time limits on how long you can stay signed in on their website or app or 'coo'-off' periods that allow users to take a break for a specific amount of time.
- Use Tracking Tools: Use sportsbooks' tools to monitor your wins and losses carefully. This will help you assess how gambling is affecting you and let you know if your betting is beginning to get out of control. Sometimes, it's possible to have a warped perception of your betting activity, and it makes sense to look at some objective data.
- Commit to Self-Exclusion if Necessary: If you see signs of problematic behavior in yourself, take advantage of the option to put yourself on a self-exclusion list. This will prevent you from accessing betting operators when your gambling has become a problem.
- Make Sure You Understand What You're Betting On: This guide provides some of the basics, but if you're comfortable betting on NBA games, mixed martial arts, horse racing, American football, or other sports, stick to what you know. You are likelier to lose money betting on sports you lack in-depth knowledge of.
Conclusion
When betting on tennis, combining knowledge of trends and responsible gambling practices can enhance your approach.
- Focus on trends like surface performance, head-to-head records, and recent form to inform your bets.
- Pay attention to tournament-specific factors, weather conditions, and player schedules.
- Use responsible gambling tools to stay within limits and track your activity effectively.
While success is never guaranteed, informed decisions and a measured approach can help you manage your betting experience effectively. Remember, the primary goal should always be to enjoy the process responsibly.
FAQ
Bet Types
What are the most common types of tennis bets?
Match Winner, Set Betting, Game Spread, and Total Games are popular bet types, among others. Each allows you to wager on different aspects of a tennis match.
Surfaces
Why is surface type important in tennis betting?
Certain players perform better on specific surfaces, like Rafael Nadal on clay. Researching surface performance can enhance your betting strategy.
Factors to Consider
What factors should I consider when betting live on tennis?
Key factors include current player form, momentum shifts, and in-play stats. Quick decision-making is crucial in live betting.
Recent Performance
How does recent player performance impact betting decisions?
Players in good form, such as those with recent tournament wins, are often more reliable bets than those with inconsistent results.
Responsible Gambling
How can I ensure responsible gambling in tennis betting?
Set strict budgets, use sportsbook tools to set limits, track your bets, and take breaks to manage your betting responsibly.
References
Current (January 22, 2025)
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