Were you aware that tennis might be able to trace its roots as far back as the 11th century? Scholars believe that it was originally invented in France before making its way across to England thanks to increased levels of European trade. Of course, this sport has now become a worldwide phenomenon and it enjoys an international fan base.
While plenty of individuals choose to watch matches for fun, there are others who might instead be interested to learn about unique wagering strategies. Let us take a quick look at a handful of well-known approaches as well as some other important tips to keep in mind. You can then perform additional research in order to further perfect your skills.
Moneyline Bets
Most experts will rightfully observe that moneyline wagers are the most popular strategies offered by contemporary tennis betting sites. These also tend to be preferred by those who are unfamiliar with more advanced approaches.
Moneyline bets are quite simple, as the individual will place a wager on the player/team that he or she feels will win the competition. Another benefit of this strategy is that it is possible to bet on the outcome of a specific set as opposed to the entire match (similar to wagering on the results of certain baseball innings).
Spread Bets
This is another very popular form of sports betting, as it involves the spread of a match. The spread signifies the differences in points between two players. For example, let us imagine that Rafal Nadal is favoured to win an upcoming match against Novak Djokovic by three points. In this case, Nadal will have to score at least three points higher in order to win the initial wager. Spread betting is often used when the exact outcome of a match is difficult to determine. Furthermore, spreading will often help to “level” the playing field when we remember that there is less variance in tennis when compared to multiplayer sports.
Over/Under Wagers
Over/under bets instead involve how many games are played within a tennis match. An example will once again help to reinforce this point. Let’s assume for a moment that two players are set to compete in a three-set match. The over/under odds might represent 22.5. Those who choose to place an “over” wager are assuming that more than 22.5 games will be played (such as 23 or above). On the contrary, results such as (6-3, 7-6) signify that only 22 games were played. This would result in a losing bet.
“Totals” Bets
This is yet another option that is often provided by reputable online bookmakers. As you might have already guessed, totals are centred around a certain series of statistics associated with each match. Here are some of the figures which can be analysed by wagering enthusiasts:
- The number of aces (for both players or for an individual competitor).
- How many double faults occur.
- The number of breaks (note that this is popular during Grand Slam events).
The main takeaway point here is that totals bets will normally require a significant amount of experience.
Tennis Futures
This is a lesser-known approach and yet, it deserves an equal amount of attention. While some bettors focus upon individual matches, others look towards the distant horizon. Examples here include Grand Slams, the Olympics or the WTA Finals. Futures bets are therefore longitudinal in nature, as they are used to predict how a player will perform throughout an entire season. The main benefit with futures is that the odds and fixtures are provided well in advance. This provides individuals with an opportunity to perform a copious amount of research.
Tips and Tricks to Keep in Mind when Wagering on Tennis
Now that some of the most common betting strategies have been discussed, it is crucial to highlight other factors that should be taken into account. Tennis is a game of finesse and it is often the smallest of details that can have an impact upon the overall outcome.
Player Traits
Many betting aficionados will pay close attention to the qualities of the players themselves. Statistical information such as ATP rankings and the number of wins are obviously important. Other variables including style of play and career records may also be analysed.
The Current Physical Health of the Player
Every tennis player has good and bad days on the court. Issues such as recent illnesses or injuries should therefore be taken into account before placing a bet.
Levels of Motivation
Many top-tier tennis personalities choose to pay more attention to the larger events. Thus, they may underperform in smaller competitions. On the contrary, lesser-known players may indeed become highly motivated when competing against an international star. Both of these scenarios can have a profound impact upon the outcome of a match.
Court Surfaces and Playing Conditions
Most experts feel that court surfaces will affect the performance of individual players. For instance, clay courts tend to be suited for baseliners while grass is said to favour more aggressive athletes. It is then important to remember that the climate takes a toll on some players more than others. Examples include extreme heat or rainy conditions. The best way to determine how these and similar metrics will potentially change the outcome of a match is to learn to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the players themselves.
One Step at a Time
Please note that this is only a basic overview of three potential wagering strategies which may be employed by tennis enthusiasts. There is indeed much more than initially meets the eye in terms of intricacies as well as the technical nature of the bets themselves. Those who wish to learn more should therefore consult with reputable online sports wagering portal; there is a wealth of information to explore.