The “total” betting strategy is popular among both experienced cappers and beginners who wager on tennis match results. This betting system does not guarantee a win on every bet but allows bettors to win most of them — on average 7–8 out of 10.
Total betting in tennis
The “total” strategy involves betting on the number of certain statistical outcomes in a tennis match: set points, games, or sets. Most often, this strategy is used for betting on the number of games, and less frequently on sets (since a match may include at least two and at most five sets if played to three wins).
The strategy can be applied to the outcome of the entire match or to individual sets.
Within this strategy, the bettor has access to the following markets:
- Total Over — means that the players will collectively exceed the number of specified statistics set by the bookmaker in the match line;
- Total Under — means that the players will collectively fall short of the number specified by the bookmaker in the match line;
- Individual Total Over — means that one of the players will exceed the specified statistical number set by the bookmaker;
- Individual Total Under — means that one of the players will show fewer statistics than indicated by the bookmaker.
Pros and Cons of the strategy
The “Total” betting strategy has numerous strengths and a few weaknesses. Its main disadvantage is its simplicity — beginners who skip pre-match analysis and forecasting can frequently lose their bets.
The main advantages include:
- high success rate — the pass rate reaches 80–85%;
- no need for complex mathematical calculations when analyzing or predicting results;
- low risk of loss when choosing outcomes with lower bookmaker odds.
Successful total betting strategies
Experienced cappers who regularly bet on tennis matches use reliable strategies that most often lead to profitable results.
The most successful approaches include:
- “Over 7.5 after the first set 6:0”;
- “Under 9.50 in the 1st set”;
- “Individual Total Over 12.5 games”;
- “Under strategy for the 2nd set.”
“Over 7.5 after the first set 6:0”
This strategy involves placing a bet on the “over total” market of 7.5 games won by both players in the second set.
A variation is betting on Over 8.5 games in the second set if the first set ends 1:6 or 6:1.
When selecting a match, use these criteria:
- the match features a favorite and a clear underdog;
- the favorite won the first set;
- in 60% of the last 5–10 matches, the players achieved results that would have won a bet on Over 7.5 games in the second set.
“Under 9.50 in the 1st set”
This strategy is often used live. The bet is placed on the total number of games in the first set.
When choosing a tennis match, the bettor must consider two key factors:
- a clear favorite and underdog must be playing;
- the bookmaker’s odds for this market before the match should not exceed 1.30.
Before placing the bet, the bettor should observe the first two games live.
The success rate of this bet is around 85%.
“Individual total over 12.5 games”
The essence of this strategy is betting on the market Over 12.5 for one of the players.
Example: In the match between Pershiko Mathieu and Emery Calvin (2022, played on clay at the “Roseto degli Abruzzi-2” tournament), a bettor who placed an Over 12.5 bet on Mathieu would win because the player had already reached 13 games by the middle of the second set (scores 7:6 and 6:6).
When choosing a match for this strategy, prioritize those where:
- the match is played on a clay court;
- the players are roughly equal in level;
- in at least 60% of their last 10 matches, both players achieved results that would win an Over 12.5 bet.
“Under strategy for the 2nd set”
This strategy is popular among experienced bettors. Experts note that it relies on quality statistical analysis and is best used for live bets.
This market usually offers high odds. For example, the bookmaker “Parimatch” offered odds of 1.70 on Under 10.5 in the second set for the match between Pershiko Mathieu and Emery Calvin.
When selecting matches for this strategy, it’s recommended to choose:
- singles matches only;
- matches where a clear favorite plays against an underdog;
- odds of at least 1.60.
Common mistakes of beginner bettors
Beginners often make errors that lead to losses when betting on totals in tennis. The most common mistakes include ignoring:
- the importance of the tournament — in less significant events, favorites may play more relaxed, leading to unpredictable results;
- current player form — even top-ranked players can show poor performance due to fatigue or minor injuries;
- gender differences — women are more emotionally influenced during play, increasing the chance of unpredictable outcomes;
- court surface — few players perform equally well on all surfaces, as most specialize in their preferred type.
When total betting in tennis is most profitable
Using the “total” strategy is most beneficial when:
- bets are placed live;
- a clear favorite and underdog are playing;
- the favorite is in good form and plays on a preferred surface;
- in 60% of their last 5–10 matches, the players showed results that would win on the chosen market.
NO BETTING STRATEGY GUARANTEES 100% PROFIT!
