Betting on tennis spreads offers a unique twist on traditional tennis betting, focusing on the number of sets won rather than simply picking the winner of the match. This method adds an interesting layer of strategy, as bettors must 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 a detailed analysis of a player’s performance crucial. Whether the favorite prevails or the underdog holds its ground in the predicted outcome, every match counts. Understanding this concept opens up new opportunities in tennis betting, appealing to both seasoned 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 similarly to how it does in other areas of online sports betting. There are various types of bets in tennis. The most common type is odds betting, where the bettor chooses the outright winner of the match. Spread betting is different because it revolves around the number of games or sets won in a match.
Tennis bettors must focus on the number of games or sets won, rather than just the match outcome. While winning matches is often related to winning games, there is no direct relationship between the two—similar to how a football team can gain more yards than its opponent but still lose the game.
Here’s an example: Player A could defeat Player B with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 7-6. Player A wins the match, but Player B wins 16 games compared to Player A’s 14 games. In tennis, such a scenario is uncommon but not impossible.
How does betting on tennis spread work?
Like any bet involving a point spread, the bettor wins if their team covers the relevant point spread. The favorite and the underdog have fundamentally different roles in relation to the point spread outcome.
In tennis, favorites are expected to win the match. To cover the spread, they must not only win more games but also win by a predetermined margin. This margin is the point spread. If Player A is a 2.5-game favorite, they must win by at least three games to cover the spread.
If Player A is a 2.5-game favorite and wins 6-4, 6-3, their five-game margin covers the spread. However, if they win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, they will win the match but fail to cover the 2.5-game spread. In this case, the net margin is only two games, which is less than the 2.5-game spread.
Here’s the third scenario: Imagine Player A is given a 2.5-game point spread. Player A loses the match 6-0, 4-6, 6-7. In this unusual but possible outcome, Player A would lose the match and be eliminated from most tournaments, but they would still cover the 2.5-game point spread.
On the other hand, there are also point-spread underdogs in tennis. These players are expected to win fewer games; instead of winning more, they are expected to stay within their predetermined point spread.
Suppose Player B is a point-spread underdog at +4.5 games. If Player B loses in straight sets, 5-7, 5-7, his four-game margin results in a successful +4.5 arbitrage bet. However, if he loses 3-6, 2-6, his seven-game spread serves as insurance against the -4.5 favorite.
Any situation where the underdog wins more games than his or her opponent is an automatic spread win for the underdog. The favorite wins by covering the spread; the underdog wins by either covering the spread or winning outright.
How to bet on tennis spread
If you're experimenting with tennis betting, you may find that the online sportsbook BetMGM sets both the spread and a normal spread for the game.
Set spread betting is similar to game spread betting, with one big twist. Instead of the spread governing the number of games players will win or lose, it governs the number of sets they will win or lose. This is closely related to set betting, where the focus is on the sets instead of games.
For example, imagine a scenario where a bettor wagers on Player B at +2.5 sets in the French Open. Let’s say Player A defeats Player B 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Since Player B is 3-1 behind but has +2.5 sets, it would be a winning bet. Anyone betting on Player A at -2.5 sets would lose the bet.
Set spread betting is a novelty and less common than regular game spread betting. However, it is 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 consider more potential points and outcomes.
Tips for successful spread betting
Research: Before placing your bet, make sure to check the players' current form, head-to-head record, court preference, and other factors that could influence the match outcome.
Consider the underdog: Upsets happen more often in tennis than in other sports. Don’t always bet on the favorite; sometimes the underdog can pull off a surprise win.
Take advantage of Live Betting: If you're unsure about the match outcome, consider waiting until it’s underway to place a spread bet. Live betting lets you watch the action unfold before placing your bet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betting on tennis spreads is an engaging way to enhance your wagering experience. Focusing on the number of games or sets won rather than the outright winner adds depth and strategic challenges to your bets. Whether you back a dominant favorite to cover the spread or an underdog to stay within it, success lies in understanding player stats, match dynamics, and surface preferences. This betting type 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 change the way you approach tennis betting.
See more: Essential sports spread betting tips to boost your betting strategy
