No thanks to COVID-19, tennis fans found themselves watching matches either on the television or online for the most part of the 2020 season. But for many online bettors of the sport, witnessing the action from afar can be just as intense as watching it live. With how exciting this season is shaping up so far, more fans are placing tennis bets, with as many as 100 players competing every week in the next 11 months.
Betting on your favorites may seem like a simple thing. However, tennis betting requires a review of some factors that can affect match outcomes. Beginners can learn a thing or two from this article, especially when choosing players, the surface of the court, and strategies worth taking.
If you are an avid tennis fan looking to make the sport more exciting, here are some basics you need to know about tennis bookmaking:
Surface matters
Usually, bettors who are new to placing bets on their favorite players commit the mistake of not considering which grand slam is ongoing. The majors have different court surfaces. The Australian Open and the US Open are played on hard courts; the French Open is played on clay, while Wimbledon features a grass court surface.
Bettors need to consider the surface on which a match will be played before placing their wagers. Certain players tend to play stronger on courts they are accustomed to. Even the best baseliner can find it challenging to play on clay, while heavy hitters can falter on grass.
For example, Djokovic plays best on hard courts, Rafael Nadal reigns on clay, while Roger Federer has won multiple titles on the lawn. Knowing how your favorite player plays on each type of surface can help you gauge the possible outcome of the match.
Review other factors, including the player's current ATP ranking, skill level, win streak, and overall health. This year, betting on Federer at Wimbledon might not seem like a good idea while he is still nursing a significant knee injury. Keep abreast of which surface each player excels at and watch as many matches as you can to help you make strategic decisions rather than biased ones before placing your bet.
Review statistics
Tennis betting will also require a thorough review of the current statistics and player standings. Most players will face each other throughout the tennis season, so a good review of their performances and that of their opponents will help you tally their head-to-head numbers.
However, reviewing the stats is not enough to make an intelligent decision when betting on a player. You'll also have to study how players react against a particular opponent and which footwork and style they use in particular matches. Sure, top players like Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are armed with more skill in their arsenal than most, but even lower-ranked players can get the better of them in specific styles of play in some instances.
Predicting how two players will play based on their previous stats can help determine who will be more dominant in the match where you place your bets. Find out who scores more points on serves, volleys, and baseline shots, and soon enough you'll have a better grasp of how the match will turn out.
Strategize
Tennis bettors apply different strategies each time they place a bet on a player. Some go for moneyline underdogs believing that there is usually a high variance when players compete in smaller tournaments and the possible winnings are higher due to odds.
However, before you do so, check out news updates on the players you are eyeing and see if they are well prepared for a match. Playing tournaments entails lots of traveling, fatigue, and potential injuries. Knowing the players' schedules and their tournament records can give you a clearer picture of how they might perform in a match. Most players plan ahead and take days off from playing to prepare themselves for tournament season. Knowing their rhythm is essential when placing your bets.
If you are a novice at tennis betting, it would be wise to use a prudent strategy over an aggressive one. Study the process and system, and use a formula that works best for you. Start betting on minor tournaments with small wagers, then gradually make your way up to major tournaments once you feel that you have a better grasp of player rosters and performances.
Things to avoid when betting in tennis
Most tennis punters will tell you to avoid parlays on moneyline favorites for each bet. There have been many upsets in tennis history, and the player with the higher seeding doesn't always emerge victorious. It would be best to consider ranking with an open mind and, most of all, consider how players have performed in recent matches.
Another common pitfall is the temptation to up the stake after a loss in the hopes of recouping some cash. As with any other form of betting, chasing lost money can make you lose focus. Don't bet on impulse, and never leave anything to chance. Instead, make strategic choices per tournament, review the moneyline and spreads, and choose a two-player parlay that seems like good wagers.
Final tips
Whether you are betting on the ATP or the WTA, dissecting every factor in a match between two players often yields better results than simply picking the favorite. Review the odds and do not risk betting more than you can afford to lose. Remember, good bettors are careful and gather intelligent insights before making a wager.
Take the time to review past matches and learn player instincts before the season starts. Lastly, go the extra mile to know your umpires and how they officiate matches. Unlike basketball and football, tennis officials presiding over a game are rarely the subject of controversy, but learning how they influence play could give you an advantage in predicting the final outcome.
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