Tennis is among the most popular sports in the world. Every year, numerous tennis tournaments take place, and experienced bettors as well as beginners regularly wager on their outcomes (around 25% of all bets in bookmakers are placed on tennis). Most of these bets are made in live mode.
Best live tennis betting strategies
There are several live betting strategies for predicting tennis match outcomes. The most effective strategies are listed below:
- Bets after the first set.
- Set betting.
- Betting on the favorite.
- 40:40 strategy.
Bets after the first set
This strategy is based on three key principles:
- the first bet is placed after the end of the first set;
- before the match starts, the odds for each player’s victory should not be identical, but the difference between them should be within 0.5–0.7;
- the players should be of roughly equal level — such matches are typically seen in the later stages of tournaments (quarterfinals, semifinals, finals).
Essence of the strategy
After the first set ends, the live odds for the player leading in the match drop to around 1.15–1.30. The bettor should place a wager on the opponent to win the match (the odds for this outcome will be approximately 4.00–5.00). If the second player wins the second set, the bettor should place another bet for the same amount on the first player to win (odds will range from 2.00–5.00).
Example of using the strategy
After the first player won the opening set, the bettor placed a 200 RUB bet on the second player at odds of 4.00. After the second set ended (score 1:1), the capper placed a second 300 RUB bet on the first player to win at odds of 2.00. The first player won the match. The second bet paid out 600 RUB (300×2). The net profit from both bets was 100 RUB (600−300−200). If the second player had won the match, the first bet would have paid 800 RUB, giving a 300 RUB profit.
Set betting in live mode
This strategy is used for live betting on matches in Grand Slam tournaments. The key feature of these matches is that they are played until one player wins three sets
Essence of the strategy
This strategy can be used in both men’s and women’s singles matches. The bet is placed on the underdog. In many Grand Slam matches, the underdog often loses the match but wins at least one set. Therefore, it is recommended to bet on the market “handicap +2.5.”
Recommendations
This strategy is most effective if:
- throughout the Grand Slam season, the underdog has won at least one set in more than 50% of matches;
- the favorite has lost at least one set in more than 50% of matches during the same period.
Betting on the favorite in live mode
This strategy is used when there is a clear favorite and underdog. In pre-match lines, bookmakers typically offer low odds (around 1.2–1.5) for the favorite’s victory. However, during the match, if the favorite loses the first set by 2–3 games, the live odds for their win often rise to 1.6–2.0. The bettor must quickly “catch” the moment when the live odds increase and immediately place a bet on the favorite to win.
This allows for a higher potential profit than betting pre-match.
When selecting matches for this strategy, bettors should consider:
- choose singles matches from the main tournament draw only;
- place a bet if the live odds have increased by at least 0.4 compared to pre-match;
- the live odds should be no less than 1.50.
The “40:40” strategy
This strategy involves placing a series of bets on the market “Score 40–40 in a game – Yes.” Each subsequent bet is made after a losing one, with the next stake doubled. The betting series ends immediately after a winning bet.
When to start betting
How to choose a match for the “40:40” strategy
- the match is played on clay courts;
- women’s singles matches are preferred;
- both players are of similar level and current form.
Pros and Cons of live betting
Live betting strategies have both strengths and weaknesses. The main pros and cons are listed below:
Risk-free live tennis betting strategies
There are no guaranteed winning strategies for live tennis betting. Tennis, like any sport, always carries the possibility of unexpected or sensational results. However, using well-tested strategies after thorough pre-match analysis and observing the game live can help both beginners and experienced bettors achieve consistent long-term profits.
When it’s profitable to bet live
To maximize success, live bets are most effective when:
- betting “total under” on breaks in men’s matches – men have stronger serves, making returns harder and breaks less frequent;
- the favorite is identified considering the court surface – most players perform best on their preferred surface and worse on others;
- the bet on the favorite is not placed at the end of the season – late-season fatigue and reduced motivation can affect performance;
- the analysis includes multiple rating systems (WTA, ATP, Elo);
- the bettor remains calm after losses – avoid impulsively trying to recover immediately, continue following your planned strategy;
- the capper analyzes both before and during the match – skipping analysis during play increases the risk of inaccurate predictions and losses.
NO BETTING STRATEGY GUARANTEES 100% PROFIT!
