How to Bet on Tennis: Complete Guide 2025

Tennis betting is one of the most popular sports gambling activities, ranking third only to football and basketball. According to Mordor Intelligence, this market is reported to grow at a 13.55% CAGR.

With four Grand Slams and other tournaments year-round, you get to enjoy point-by-point action and multiple betting opportunities. Not only can you place wagers pre-match, but also while they are ongoing. With this in mind, it means there’s almost always a bet to make.

I place wagers on tennis events for two reasons. First, I love the game, and secondly, because of the many markets to choose from. That said, for those new to tennis betting, in this guide, I’ll provide everything you need to know before placing your first wager.

Understanding Tennis Betting Fundamentals

Cricket’s diversity of formats is one feature that sets it apart from other sports. In every format, you are guaranteed a different experience, whether you like betting on a five-day Test match or a fast-paced T20 match.

Here are a few terms you should know before betting on tennis:

• Match Winner: Pick who wins the match.
• Set Betting: Predict the set score.
• Game Handicap: Give your chosen player an advantage.
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet that the total sets or aces exceed a line.
• Live (In-Play): Place bets on an ongoing match(es).

Types of Tennis Betting Markets

There are many ways to bet on tennis, from simple match winners to tournament futures, down to prop wagers.

Each market comes with different odds, and you need to know when to use them. In the following section, I’ll provide some details on the most common options.

Outright Tournament Winner

This market represents betting on a player to win the tournament. The best tennis betting sites offer odds on each player before the tournament starts. For example, Carlos Alcaraz might have 3/1 (20% chance) to win Wimbledon, while an underdog (long shot) could be 50/1.

Outright bets take patience but can pay huge (at the end of the tournament). According to Deena Habash, roughly one-third of ATP matches are won by the lower-ranked player. So, even when a favorite dominates a draw, upsets happen often enough to find value in outrights.

Match Result (Moneyline)

This simply involves picking the winner of a match. You win the bet if your chosen player wins the game (note that the wager becomes void if it doesn’t end). I mostly use moneyline when I’m confident in a head-to-head or want a simple bet.

Credit: 20bet

Handicap

Handicap markets are mostly used to level a match by giving one player a set-game advantage or disadvantage.

Credit: 22Bet

There are two types, and the first is “game handicap.” For example, if I place a bet on Rafael Nadal with -3.5 games vs. Andy Murray on my sportsbook’s bet builder, Nadal needs to win the match by more than 3 games for me to win that wager.

There are also set handicaps (e.g., -1.5 sets) for best-of-five. Handicaps let me back a strong favorite, but I can still win even if they drop a set or back an underdog who might win enough games to cover.

Total Games/Sets

This involves betting on the total number of games or sets that will be played in your chosen match(es).

Credit: 888Sport

The most common is the “Total Games” over/under bet. For example, bookmakers might set the over/under at 31.5 games. If I choose over, it means the match must end with 32 or more games for my bet to win.

The same also applies to “Total Sets.” Note that some tennis betting sites also offer totals on other stats, like total aces or double faults.

Prop Bets and Specials

With prop bets, you get to wager on things that happen within a match aside from the result. Place bets on the total aces, the first player to break serve, or the number of tiebreaks.

In-Play Betting

With in-play betting, you place your bet on an ongoing match.

Credit: 22Bet

Bet on nearly anything, including the next point winner, the next game winner, the winner of the current set, etc.

Tennis Betting in 5 Easy Steps

Follow the steps below to bet on tennis matches on Betway or any other site of your choosing:

1. Register: Visit the Betway official website, click ‘Login’, and complete the registration form.
2. Deposit: Fund your account to place a real money bet
3. Pick A Match: Visit the tennis lobby and click on any game or tournament you wish to bet on.
4. Choose Your Market: There are various betting options (moneyline, totals, handicap) for any game you pick.
5. Check Surface & Player Form: Consider factors that can affect a game. Confirm the surface type and check for the player’s form.
6. Compare Odds: Since odds tend to vary, compare them at 2-3 different sites and choose the best value.
7. Stake: Add a game to the bet slip, set the amount you want to bet, and submit the booking.

I recommend staking only 1-3% of your bankroll for any bet. This reduces your risk and enables you to spread your capital across more games.

Key Factors That Influence Tennis Betting

Here are the key factors you should consider and how they affect matches and odds:

✅ Player Form and Fitness

A player’s recent form and physical condition are two of the important factors to consider when placing a bet. As ESPN advises, “recent form” can have a significant impact on performance.

For instance, a top player who has just won a championship or is on a winning streak is likely to maintain their good play. On the other hand, a person recovering from an injury or a run of defeats might perform poorly. I usually review past games and injury reports because even a minor sprain can significantly impact the outcome.

✅ Head-to-Head Records

Tennis is often about matchups, so reviewing the head-to-head (H2H) results is important. Many experts call H2H “the most important macro stat.” A player can be lower-ranked but have a perfect record against a top rival.

For instance, in the Sinner (no. 1) vs. Alcaraz (no. 2) rivalry (H2H 8-4), Carlos has had the upper hand, winning the last 5. It helps me make the right choice, especially if the players have a 50/50 record on paper.

✅ Surface Preferences

Court surfaces (hard, clay, or grass) can affect results, especially if some players are surface specialists. According to Tennis Nerds, Casper Ruud’s career win rate is 69.3% on clay but only 59.2% on hard courts, suggesting that he is a much stronger favorite on clay.

When a surface is an edge, bookmakers often underestimate it, and spotting that can give you a value bet. For example, an underdog who normally plays poorly on grass can jump at odds if faced with a clay-court expert at Wimbledon.

✅ Tournament Importance and Motivation

Big tournaments like Grand Slams offer huge ranking points and prize money, so top players usually play at their best. These events tend to have fewer early upsets. Also, beating a rival in a final (with all eyes on TV) has a different vibe than a first round at a minor event.

In practice, I consider how much a player wants this specific event. Motivation is subtle but important. For example, watching player interviews (e.g., Nadal talking about wanting one more title) can hint at mindset.

✅ Weather Conditions

Since most tennis matches are played outdoors, they are often at the mercy of the weather. Temperature, wind, rain, and humidity can significantly impact a game.

Looking at extreme heat or wind, they can affect ball physics and player endurance. In hot conditions, balls bounce higher, which favors heavy-topspin hitters like Rafael Nadal. However, in cold, damp air, the ball is heavier and moves more slowly.

Windy days can affect big servers’ performance. So before placing bets, I always check weather forecasts and check if it favours players and use it to my advantage.

✅ Recent Schedule and Fatigue

Since tennis players often play week after week due to their demanding schedules, they frequently become fatigued. This is quite common, especially for players who go deep in previous tournaments. It’s important to review players’ schedules and also consider travel.

How I Made $400 Profit Using Advanced Tennis Betting Strategies

A few months back, I placed a bet on a US Open 2024 match between defending champion Novak (huge favorite) and Alexei (underdog). The all-time legend had -600 odds versus Popyrin’s +400.

Any regular bettor would go for Djokovic, but I noticed he made weak serves in previous games and was often tired quickly due to fatigue. So, I bet $100 on the underdog, and when he pulled off the upset with strong returns, my $100 turned into $500.

And that is just one of my success stories. I have gone on to achieve bigger wins from Tennis betting by using strategies that others overlook. Below, I share lessons from this winning and other advanced strategies for boosting your winning chances in Tennis betting:

✅ Analyzing Serving Statistics

Serving is one of the major tactics in tennis. I review statistics and use specific ones, such as first serve percentage, aces, and occasionally return games won. So, let’s say player A wins 80% of points on his first serve versus Player B’s 60%, A is highly likely to dominate in their fixture.

I also review service games won and break points saved. Players who save a high percentage of break points tend to win more matches. I check these numbers by scouting match-up stats on ATP/WTA sites.

✅ Identifying Value in Underdog Bets

Smart bettors often hunt for odds that reveal an underdog’s true chance. For example, according to Deena Habash, roughly 34% of ATP matches are won by the lower-ranked player. That means underdogs win more often than you think.

The table below highlights examples of situations where underdogs shocked the world to win games:

✅ Tournament Progression Patterns

I also check how players perform as tournaments progress. Many of them start slowly, but gain confidence over time, while others win early rounds easily but later tire out. For example, in best-of-five Slams, most favorites might easily win the first two rounds but then face tougher fights later. For instance, in best-of-five Slams, most favorites might easily win the first two rounds but then face tougher fights later.

If I see a favorite struggling (e.g., needing 5 sets vs. a low-ranked player), I might consider handicapping the next match or avoid betting on them. Another pattern you should notice is players coming from qualifying. Sometimes they start slower in the main draw first rounds.

✅ Exploiting Surface Specialists

Many tennis players perform better on their favorite court. I review career win rates or even specific match outcomes on each surface. For instance, a player with a 30% hard-court win rate will likely struggle against someone with 70% on that surface. Noticing these patterns, I sometimes bet against top players on unfavorable surfaces.

Here’s how some popular tennis icons perform on different surfaces:

✅ Using In-Play Momentum Shifts

During a game, momentum can shift quickly, with an underdog winning multiple games in a row or a favorite losing a lead. It’s important to look for these swings in live betting. Striking when the bookmaker undervalues a player is crucial.

✅ Bankroll Management for Tennis Betting

Using bankroll management is another crucial tactic. I never place a single tennis wager that exceeds 1% to 3% of my entire bankroll. This helps me control how much I lose, especially during cold streaks.

I also adjust my stake based on my level of confidence. Stake small wagers on long shots and slightly higher bets on calculated selections.

If you don’t know how much to stake, I recommend you use a bankroll calculator. All you need to do is enter your bankroll amount and set your bet size (1-3%), and the software will tell you the right amount to stake per bet.

Tennis Betting Tips for Different Surfaces

Tennis is played on various surfaces, each with its own factors that affect the matches. Before betting, you have to consider ball speed, bounce, and players’ strengths. For example, clay courts are slow with high bounces and long rallies.

In the table below, I’ll provide you with details on each surface type and how to use it to your advantage.

Major Tennis Tournaments Betting Guide

Several tennis tournaments take place annually, ranging from Grand Slams to ATP and numerous smaller events.

Different situations require different approaches, and using the best one can make a difference. The following are a few important considerations you need to know:

🥎 Grand Slams

Grand Slams (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) consist of best-of-five matches for men and best-of-three for women. In these tournaments, most of the time, the favorites go on to dominate the matches. I’d recommend betting on the top players in the early rounds. Also, always consider the current form, head-to-head history, surface, and weather conditions.

🥎 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)/Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tours

Regular tour events like the Masters 1000 and ATP/WTA 500/250 are usually quite volatile. This mainly applies to the top players as they tend to skip these tournaments or play them as tune-ups for major ones.

This generally indicates that the heavy favorites are unlikely to be fully motivated, thus giving the underdogs a much better chance. As Dan Weston, a pro trader, puts it: “I prefer low-quality tennis (tour-level events) over big tournaments like Grand Slams.”

🥎 Team Competitions (Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup)

You can also try your hand at various cup competitions. Note that the hosting countries often get to choose the surface (home advantage), and players feel extra national pressure. This can make outcomes so unpredictable that even top stars sometimes break under the spotlight.

However, with fan support, lesser-known players might perform better at home. Keep in mind that a single doubles match can decide a tie, and that odds can change drastically when best-of-five rubbers are played. To gain an advantage, I recommend using prop markets and placing small bets.

🥎 Exhibition Tournaments

Most exhibition events, such as the Champions Tennis League, Mubadala, or Hopman Cup, are friendly contests without official ranking points. Betting on these games is very unpredictable because players don’t really give it their all during the competition. Therefore, it’s generally best to stay away from placing large bets on exhibitions unless you have extremely specific information.

Common Tennis Betting Mistakes to Avoid

Most of the time, the difference between professionals and beginners in tennis betting often comes down to habits and how they approach games. Most newbies tend to make common mistakes that can affect results.

Below are some of the mistakes you need to avoid when betting on tennis matches:

Tools and Resources for Tennis Bettors

Before you start tennis betting, learn the tools you need to make the experience easier and potentially more favourable. Here are some of the popular options to start with:

✅ Statistical Databases

These are invaluable tools that provide deep match stats and filters. It provides hold-break percentages, surface-specific records, head-to-head trends, and even splits by career periods. Examples of these databases include

• Tennis Abstract
• Ultimate Tennis Statistics
• Matchstat.

✅ Tennis Betting Podcasts and Forums

I recommend using podcasts and community discussions to improve your understanding of games. Unsure which to go for? You can check out “The Tennis Betting Podcast” or forums like “TennisForum” or Reddit.

✅ Expert Tips and Analysis Sources

You’ll find various sites like BettingExpert and SportingLife where tipsters share analysis and carefully made predictions. There are even popular platforms, including ESPN and VSiN, that regularly offer tennis betting tips.

✅ Odds Comparison Tools

Use sites like OddsPortal, OddsChecker, Betting Odds Calculator, and BetBrain to compare odds across various sportsbooks. This way, you can get the best value for your bets.

Responsible Tennis Betting Practices

Regardless of how fun and exciting it is to wager on tennis, you should practice responsible betting. To help with that, here are a few ways to go about it:

• Start by setting realistic expectations and recognizing that even the best bettors lose some of their wagers. There are always upsets and five-set swings, so think in terms of edges over time.
• Then, create a betting bankroll. Consider it as a little money to have fun with (1–3% of your bankroll).
• Record all your bets, including the stake, odds, and outcome, to create your betting history. This will help you know your strengths and where you need improvement.
• Be on the lookout for signs of gambling addiction. If you’re always focused on betting, chasing losses, or ignoring your personal or work duties, that’s a red flag. I’d recommend that you stop betting for a while if it no longer seems enjoyable or if you’re always worried about it.
• If you think you’re becoming addicted to gambling, some tools and options can help you regain control. You can use features like self-exclusion, deposit, and bet limits. You can even take a break or use a reality check. Finally, you can visit organizations like GamCare, GambleAware, and the National Problem Gambling Helpline for professional help.

Conclusion

The best way to enjoy betting on tennis is to first understand the game and then develop a strategy that works at least half the time. Pay attention to the court surface, the players’ form and fitness, odds comparison, and track your bankroll closely. Don’t fall into the trap of loss chasing and avoid betting on your favorites without thinking.

It’s better to keep things simple within the initial stages. Look into handicap betting, totals, and moneylines to begin with. Gradually, you’ll get better at tracking your betting process and identify stats and tipsters that are truly beneficial. In general, betting on tennis is all about using data and discipline to improve your strategy.

FAQs About Tennis Betting

Is Tennis Betting Profitable Long-term?

The truth is, betting on tennis can seem difficult at first. But as with anything, if you stay disciplined, chances are you’ll get wins from time to time. All you need to do is extensive research and manage your bankroll properly. Be sure to also take advantage of small opportunities.

How Important Is the Serve in Tennis Betting?

Most strong servers, like John Isner or Ivo Karlović, win many free points, so it greatly affects outcomes. If you want to understand a player’s serving performance, check out key stats like first-serve percentage and service-hold percentage.

Should I Specialize in Specific Tournaments?

Yes, you can focus on a few tournaments or circuits to improve your edge. Each event will have its unique event factors (surface, climate, altitude, crowd, and format), and knowing this helps. This allows you to pick up on small things most casual bettors will overlook.

What Tennis Stats Matter Most for Betting? 

Every detail in tennis betting deserves attention. Still, try to analyze the players’ serves and returns. Consider the first serve percentage, games won while serving, break points scored, and head-to-head records on the same surfaces.

How Do Retirements Affect Tennis Bets?

Betting policies are different from one bookmaker to the next, but generally, if a player retires mid-match, most sportsbooks void the match bet. However, some props can pay out if a defined portion of the match is completed. That’s why you should always check the rules of your sportsbook.