EXPLAINED: How to bet on tennis in-play: strategies, advice and markets explained
Sports betting has always been a hugely popular pastime for punters in the UK. It’s something that many have enjoyed, although the availability of live betting has helped to take it to completely new heights.
Sometimes known or referred to as in-play betting, there are many sports that have become popular betting markets for bettors.
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Tennis is one of those sports that has experienced a significant surge in popularity for in-play betting.
In this article, we’ll explain how live betting works regarding tennis, highlighting what a bettor new to the market can expect to find and how they can maximise any session they may participate in.
What is live betting?
Live betting is exactly what it suggests it is: betting on action that takes place in real time. In-play sports betting has emerged as a hugely popular method of wagering for sports fans, as it allows them to make better decisions and enhance their experiences.
Unlike traditional pre-game betting, where all bets must be placed before the event begins, live betting allows players to react in real time to the unfolding action and make decisions based on what is happening during the game.
It allows greater flexibility, providing potential betting opportunities that older betting methods couldn’t, as bets can be made on a reactionary basis.
It gives punters the opportunity to alter betting strategies to try and maximise their odds of winning, while adding a little additional excitement to the sporting event.
How live betting in tennis works
Live tennis betting enables bettors to wager on ongoing matches, placing bets on various elements of a contest in real-time.
The odds that are provided by a sportsbook will continually change in line with what is happening on the court.
This gives bettors potentially more value as they can try to capitalise on certain trends or patterns that may have been noticed throughout a contest.
How to place a live tennis bet
- Select the match: Navigate to the live section of the chosen sportsbook and choose the tennis match to bet on.
- Choose a market: Pick from the available in-play markets (e.g., next game winner, set winner, total games).
- Monitor odds: Watch for odds changes, which can occur within seconds as the match progresses.
- Place Your Bet: Confirm the selection and stake. Some platforms may prompt players to accept updated odds if they change while the bet is being placed.
- Follow the Action: Bettors should continue to watch the match to see how their bets turn out. They can decide to cash out or keep it running based on real-time actions.
Different live Tennis betting markets explained
So how do you bet on tennis online? Like many other sports, tennis offers bettors numerous opportunities due to the numerous wagerable aspects involved in the sport.
Many markets on sports betting sites exist that can be enjoyed live, which has helped to enhance the overall betting enjoyment that punters receive from the sport.
These options are extremely popular among experienced bettors in live tennis betting, with some also being underrated. Examples of these include:
Set betting
Set betting is where players will bet on what they believe will be the exact score at the end of the match.
They can bet on a men’s singles game finishing 3-0 (straight sets) or bet on a women’s match finishing 2-0 (straight sets).
It doesn’t have to be straight sets, so a bettor could predict that a player wins 3-1, etc.
Total games
Typically offered as an over/under betting market, the total number of games played in a match is a popular live betting option in tennis.
Many will try to predict whether it will be over or under a predetermined total that the bookmaker provides.
An example of this bet could be that the bookmaker has set a total of 21.5 games. Bettors will need to decide whether they want to bet on it being over (22+ games) or under (21 or fewer). It can be a popular market for matches that are tight contests.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting is a popular market that is widely enjoyed. It gives one player in the tennis match an advantage (or disadvantage), typically in terms of the number of games or sets they win or lose.
During in-play betting, the odds provided can be based on the current performance of the player.
- Game handicap: Bet on a player to win by more than a specified number of games (e.g., -3.5 games).
- Set handicap: Bet on a player to win by more than a set (e.g., -1.5 sets).
To win next point/game/set
Quite a simple betting market, live betting can allow individuals to bet on which player they believe will win the next point, game, or set in real time.
Players can make decisions based on the last point played, but they must be quick when doing so, as markets can change or close instantly.
Next player to break serve
One aspect of a tennis match that can generate excitement is when players aim to break serve. This translates to the betting markets, as many like to wager on this element. Live betting facilitates this as players can bet on what they spot during a game.
For instance, if they notice a player struggling on their serve, such as failing to score points or recording double-faults, they can back their opponent to break them.
Tie break markets
Tiebreakers can be a big part of a tennis match, as they can be used to decide the conclusion of a set. In some cases, they can be the difference between one player winning and another losing.
For bettors, they can provide plenty of opportunities.
Race to X games
Bettors can place bets on which player they believe will reach a certain number of games first in a set when tennis matches are being played.
It’s a popular betting market and one that many enjoy, as it can provide value, especially when changes in a player’s momentum are spotted quickly.
Keys to live tennis betting
To maximise any experience when betting live on tennis, bettors should:
- Use statistics to help make informed decisions.
- Watch the action using a live stream (if provided).
- Keep faith in the player, as points and games can be decided quickly.
- Remember that players are humans and form doesn’t always count for everything.
- Be aware of everything that can happen and be ready to react.
In-play tennis betting tips
Following the keys to live tennis betting will help ensure bettors can have a positive experience. It’s how you could best find the market edge and identify the valuable underdog opportunities.
Players should always look to use statistics as much as they possibly can to help them make informed decisions. While point 4 refers to keeping in mind that players are human and form isn’t always everything, it can still be a good indicator of what to expect.
Several websites offer tennis statistics that can be used. This can include examining how certain players perform on a specific type of court, their record at a particular tournament, or even how they fare against a particular opponent.
If their form suggests they have dominated most of the time, it can be a good indicator of what may happen.
Still, it is essential to watch the live stream (if available) to stay informed about what is happening and be responsive if necessary.
The player bet on may be having a bad day on the court; they may have suffered an injury or are just struggling. If this can be spotted quickly, then the bettor can make changes to their bet by cashing out before it's too late.
Player’s motivations can also come into it, are they playing to make the top eight end of season Finals, do they need one more win to break a record, or is this their first match back on a particular surface.
This is why it is essential to be aware of all potential outcomes, especially when betting on grand slams vs non grand slam events, and be prepared to respond accordingly.
Examples of live tennis bets
The following are types of bets that could be potentially placed using the popular betting markets outlined above.
It’s important to stress that there are so many options available, but these are just basic examples that apply to most:
- Set betting: Picking Carlos Alcaraz to overcome Jannik Sinner in five sets and win 3-2
- Total games: A match between Jack Draper and Holger Rune to have more or fewer than 21.5 games.
- Handicap: Alcaraz -8.5 games and Cachin +8.5 games; Alcaraz must win by a margin of nine games or more.
- Next player to win next point/game/set: Picking Casper Ruud to go 1-0 up in the first game over Lorenzo Musetti, etc.
- Next player to break serve: Iga Swiatek to break Aryna Sabalenka’s serve on the clay.
- Tie break markets: Coco Gauff to beat Madison Keys in a tiebreaker to claim a set.
- Race to X games: Novak Djokovic to beat Alexander Zverev to win four games in the first set.
Fast paced nature on and off the court
Live betting on tennis is hugely popular for UK punters, as it provides bettors with a way to enhance the activity further.
Players can wager on various events within a game as they happen, allowing them to make decisions based on what they are witnessing on the court.
With so many markets available from many of the top bookmakers, it can be overwhelming. However, using statistics and knowledge to form strategies that can be followed, decisions can become more positive as they are informed.
Given the fast-paced nature, bettors must remain disciplined at all times and not get caught up in the action too much. Bet responsibly and keep it fun.
Responsible gambling with FIRST
You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.
Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.
Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:
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