Doubles doesn’t get the attention of singles tennis, but it can still be a valuable area for bettors. Much like our in-play tennis betting guide this piece will run through a few tips and the intricacies of betting on doubles tennis.
Although the best doubles players in the world aren’t star names like Serena Williams or Roger Federer, it’s a form of the sport that many fans enjoy. The rapid rallies and greater potential for upsets make it fun to watch.
Here are a few things to consider as you prepare to place a wager on a doubles match…
Record Playing Together
Individual performances aren’t too important as you look to evaluate a doubles pairing.
Players who have played together are obviously at an advantage over partnerships that have recently started working together like Serena Williams and Andy Murray at Wimbledon earlier this year.
The Bryan brothers, with years spent together on court, are the best doubles team of all-time.
Neither are particularly impressive when left to battle it out in a singles match, but their understanding of each other, and acceptance of their respective roles, sets them apart from the rest of the world.
Even if it’s a partnership that haven’t played a huge amount together, it’s worth doing a bit of research to find out how they fared when they did.
Past success isn’t necessarily an indicator of a future winner, but it might make their odds seem better value. The reverse goes for doubles pairings who have struggled together in the past.
Different Surfaces
It isn’t necessarily as influential as it would be on a singles match, but the surface remains a factor that should be accounted for as you weigh up a doubles wager.
Players who have a torrid career record on the clay, for instance, aren’t going to be as effective at returning at Roland Garros as they will be at Wimbledon, even if they’re a very good doubles player.
The nature of doubles means some of these weaknesses can be papered over, but in a highly competitive match, it will still make a notable difference.
The best doubles pairings will find a way to work round any difficulties caused by a certain surface, but for a lot of tennis players, it will have a significant impact on their results, just as it does in singles.
Style Of Play
Playing doubles tennis is markedly different to having to cover all the court yourself. The ‘team’ element of playing as a two shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re scrolling through the tennis odds.
Complementary skillsets are vital. Two well-rounded players who want to grind it out from the baseline isn’t likely to be a formula for success, for instance, even if they are both superb singles players.
Returning and volleying are probably the two most important skills, and ideally both players will be comfortable at the net.
Tactics are different, too. Players need to show adaptability to alter their serving angles, awareness of positioning relative to their teammate on the court and become comfortable with shots down the middle of the court.
The movement element is particularly key – good doubles pairings will move as a unit, leaving no gaping holes on their side of the court.
As much as record, looking at how a partnership play together is crucial as you decide on your doubles bets. Tennis offers and promotions can give you extra value in doubles markets, but there’s plenty to consider before you place a wager.
Singles Form - Important Or Not?
Although previously downplayed in an earlier section, a player’s form in singles shouldn’t be entirely forgotten.
While they might not always be linked, it can be an indicator of a particular struggle. If a defeat came in a singles match because of a nightmare serving, that’s obviously going to impact their ability to compete in their following doubles match.
Players may often withdraw from doubles if they’re suffering with a slight injury, but it’s still something to keep an eye out for.
Multiple treatments needed throughout a singles match don’t suggest the player is in the best state for a doubles match whether later that day or in the next couple of days.
Straight Sets Wins For Heavy Favourites?
Much like in singles tennis, straight set victories are very common for heavy favourites in doubles. As shown here, a pair winning by straight sets can be a good bet when their outright match odds are short.
The downside, though, is that this is such a notable trend that bookmakers tend to have pretty accurate odds for such outcomes.
However, it is worth noting that matches without a heavy favourite are much more likely to go to three sets than either of the ATP or WTA singles tours.
Perhaps that’s the extra unpredictability of doubles shining through, but it can make the over 2.5 sets market an important one.
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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Ng Han Guan / AP Photo*
