So, you’ve decided to start betting on tennis. But you’re not sure if you should be looking at men’s tennis, women’s or even both. Like in any kind of sports betting, you always want to look for the best odds to maximise your profits long-term. And if you want to put the odds further in your favour, you might want to consider specialising in one area. When betting on tennis, it’s beneficial to know the players, their rankings and individual styles of play.
Why should I bet on women’s tennis?
Women’s tennis offers more betting opportunities. It’s also a much more diverse game in the style of play when compared to men’s. While it is possible to bet on both the ATP and WPA, it is crucial that you know the significant differences between the two. Due to the difference in strength, men’s tennis lasts longer, with up to five sets whereas women’s can last up to three sets. The men’s game is dictated by power and strength, with many of the top players preferring to stay at the back of the court. In the women’s game, players must employ different tactics to get the upper hand, causing the nature of the game to shift, which, in turn, will affect the odds.
Players to Watch Out for in 2019
Madison Keys
The 23-year-old American reached her first Grand Slam final during last year’s U.S. Open despite her performance a serious wrist injury. And this year, she flew well under the radar at the U.S. Open despite making the final last summer. It also seems Keys’ achievements this year were often overshadowed by bigger stories such as Serena’s return to the court. She booked a semi-final clash against Naomi Osaka after defeating Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 6-3 during the quarter-finals. Known for an aggressive playing style that has taken her far in the sport as well as having one of the most powerful serves in the game, Keys is quickly rising through the ranks, making her one of the leading players of the next generation of tennis sets. The rising star is one to watch in 2019 as she’s still in hot pursuit of a major No. 1 title
Serena Williams
It should come as no surprise that the 23-time Grand Slam champion would feature on our list. Despite losing to Osaka 6-2, 6-4 this year at the U.S. Open finals, Serena is still undoubtedly the ultimate tennis player. No other player can contend with the sheer power displayed in Serena’s explosive serve. Nor can anyone hope to match the athleticism and precise footwork of this player. A fierce competitor, Serena is everything you could possibly want in a tennis player. Serena now holds the record for the most Grand Slams won in the history of professional tennis and is recognised as one of the greatest players to ever set foot on the court. Revered by her peers, Serena shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to chase more titles.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open this year after a controversial win against Serena Williams. The 20-year-old displayed a powerful forehand shot clocked at 100 miles per hour, making this hard hitter one to watch out for in future tournaments. Naomi Osaka reached her first ever Grand Slam final with a triumphant victory over Madison Keys in New York during the U.S. Open semi-finals. Osaka had never beaten Keys before in their three previous encounters but was able to rectify that this year with a 6-2, 6-4 win.
The up and coming player has been rising through the ranks in recent years. And her performance in the U.S. Open showed her to be a formidable opponent. Osaka faced off against Lesia Tsurenko in the U.S. Open quarter-final and dealt a devastating blow to the Ukrainian in just under an hour, earning a 6-1, 6-1 victory. The power, speed and precision she displayed this year at the U.S. Open puts Osaka at the top of our watch list for 2019.
