Betting on tennis spreads offers a unique twist on traditional tennis betting, focusing on the number of sets or sets won rather than simply picking the winner of the match. This method brings an interesting layer of strategy, as bettors have to consider more than just the final result. Unlike odds betting, where you back an outright winner, spread betting evaluates the margin of victory or defeat, making detailed analysis of a player’s performance crucial. Whether the favorite prevails or the underdog holds its ground in the predicted odds, every match counts. Understanding this concept opens up new opportunities in tennis betting, appealing to both veterans and newcomers. Let’s learn more about betting on tennis spreads with Win Betting Tips through the following article!
How does betting on tennis spread work?
In tennis, point spread betting works in a similar way to how point spread betting works in other areas of the online sports betting world.
There are many different types of bets in a sport like tennis. The most common type is odds betting, where the bettor picks the outright winner of the match. Spread betting is a little different because the bet revolves around the number of sets won in a match.
So, tennis bettors must pay attention to the number of wins rather than necessarily the outcome of the match.
While winning matches is often related to winning games, there is no direct, automatic relationship between the two – much like how a football team can produce more yards than its opponent but still lose the match.
Here is an example: Player A could win against Player B by a score of 6-4, 1-6, 7-6. Player A wins the match, but Player B wins 16 games to Player A's 14 games. In tennis, a scenario like this is uncommon but not unheard of.
How does a betting on tennis spread work?
Like any bet involving a point spread, the bettor wins if his team covers the relevant point spread. The favourite and the underdog have fundamentally different relationships to the outcome of that point spread.
Favourites in tennis are expected to win. So, to be able to cover the spread, they must not only win more games, but they must also win by a predetermined margin of games. That margin is the spread. If Player A is a 2.5-game favourite, they must win by at least three games.
If Player A is a 2.5-game favourite and wins 6-4, 6-3, their five-game margin will cover the spread. However, if they win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, they will win the match but will not cover the 2.5-game spread. The net margin in this case is only two games, less than the 2.5-game spread.
Here is the third scenario. Imagine Player A is given a 2.5-game handicap. They lose the match 6-0, 4-6, 6-7. In this unusual but certainly possible outcome, Player A would lose the match and be eliminated from most tournaments, but they would still accept the handicap as a handicapper.
On the other hand, there are point spread underdogs in tennis. These players are expected to win fewer games; rather than winning more games, they are expected to stay within their predetermined point spread.
Suppose Player B is a point spread underdog priced at +4.5 games. If Player B loses in straight sets, 5-7, 5-7, then his four-game margin would result in a successful +4.5 arbitrage bet. However, if he loses 3-6, 2-6, his seven-game spread would be insurance against the -4.5 favorite.
Any situation where the underdog wins more games than their opponent is an automatic spread win for the underdog. The favorite cashes in by winning and covering the spread; the underdog wins by covering the spread or winning outright.
How to bet on tennis spread
If you are experimenting with tennis betting, you may also find that online sportsbook BetMGM has set the spread in addition to the normal spread for the game.
Set spread betting works exactly like game spread betting but with one big twist. Instead of the spread governing the number of games the two players will win or lose, it governs the number of sets the two players will win or lose. This is closely related to set betting.
For example, imagine a scenario where a bettor bets on Player B for +2.5 sets at the French Open. Let’s say Player A wins against Player B 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Since Player B is 3-1 behind and has +2.5 sets, that would be a winning bet. Anyone betting on Player A at -2.5 sets would lose.
Set spread betting is a bit of a novelty and is less common than regular game spread betting. However, it can be popular in grand slam tournaments when the men's tour switches to a best-of-5 scoring system. In those tournaments, set spread betting allows bettors to factor in more potential points in a tournament with more outcomes.
Tips for successful spread betting
Research: Before placing your bet, make sure you research the players, their current form, head-to-head record, court preference and any other factors that could influence the outcome of the match.
Consider the underdog: Reversals happen more often in tennis than in other sports. Don’t always bet on the favorite to cover; sometimes the underdog can pull off a surprise win.
Take advantage of Live Betting: If you’re unsure about the outcome of a match, consider waiting until the match is underway to place a spread bet. Live betting allows you to watch the action unfold before placing your bet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betting on tennis spread is an engaging way to elevate your tennis wagering experience. By focusing on the number of games or sets won rather than the outright winner, it adds depth and strategic challenges to your bets. Whether you back a dominant favorite to exceed the spread or an underdog to stay within it, success lies in understanding player stats, match dynamics, and surface preferences. This type of betting rewards thoughtful analysis and offers diverse opportunities for profit, especially in closely contested matches or grand slam tournaments. With careful research and a clear strategy, spread betting can transform how you approach tennis betting.
See more: Essential sports spread betting tips to boost your betting strategy
