Tennis is an incredibly unpredictable sport with plenty of upsets, which makes it both a frustrating and exciting sport on which to bet. However, like any other sport, it’s essential to know the specific betting rules at each of the sportsbooks you regularly use. This is especially true concerning player retirements.
The word “retire” has a different connotation in tennis. Although it can refer to the end of a player’s career (see Roger Federer, not Serena Williams, who is “evolving” away from the sport), it typically refers to a player having to quit a match because of injury or fatigue. Walkovers, in contrast, refer to players advancing when their scheduled opponent pulls out before the match.
The betting rules for walkovers are relatively simple. Because the match never happened, all bets are void and refunded. It’s a little more complex when a player retires. Sportsbooks have different rules that are applied differently for all types of bets: moneyline, over/under, and spreads.
Tennis Moneyline Bets Retirement Rules
The most important thing to know: Check the sportsbook’s rules before you place a bet so that you know the retirement rules. Astute bettors might hope to fade a player if they know of their health status and their possibility of injury, but these bets should only be placed with sportsbooks that offer first-ball action.
The first ball is one of four options for moneyline bets. As long as the first ball in the match is played (one point is awarded) before the player retires, the match is considered a real bet, and you’ll win or lose money based on your wager.
Other sportsbooks require one set to be played before a match is official, while some require two sets. Few sportsbooks require the full match to be played and will void the entire bet if a player retires.
Tennis Over/Under Retirement Rules
Rules are a little easier for over/under bets, which are generally limited to the total amount of sets for tennis. These bets are usually void if a player retires unless the over has already hit.
For instance, if you’ve bet over 19.5 sets on a match that ends via player retirement at 7-6, 4-3 (20 sets), you’ll win that bet at most sportsbooks. Similarly, most sportsbooks void the bet if the number isn’t reached, meaning you would receive your money back if a player retired in the 19th set.
Guide to Betting on Tennis Grand Slams
Tennis Spread Betting Retirement Rules
Spreads aren’t usually a popular bet in tennis, but many sportsbooks give the option. In most cases, the bet is voided, and the wager is refunded if a player retires from the match. This is the case regardless of whether the player you bet on is winning or losing their match.
For instance, if you’ve taken a player to cover +1.5 (meaning they’ll make it a three-set match in standard tournaments or at least win two sets in a men’s Grand Slam match) and one of the players retires, then you’ll be refunded your money. This can be frustrating if you’ve bet on the winning player.
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