Total Games Over 22.5 in Tennis Betting Explained

Total Games Over 22.5 bet is a popular option for tennis bettors looking to predict the total number of games played in a match.

Depending on the bookmaker, you might see it listed in the betting line as – Total: Over 22.5, Total Match Games Over 22.5, or Total Games 2-Way Over 22.5.

So, what does “Over 22.5” really mean?

Essentially, you’re betting that the match will have 23 or more games in total. If the match ends with 22 or fewer games, your bet loses.

Here’s how it looks at Stake.com:

Keep in mind, there’s no refund or push options unless the match is canceled or deemed suspicious. For a better understanding of these scenarios, check out our guide on void bets and pushes.

How Is a Total Games Over 22.5 Bet Calculated?

Let’s break down how a wager on the Total Games Over 22.5 betting market is calculated, using a simple example.

Imagine you’ve placed a $100 bet with odds of 2.17. Here’s how the outcome would play out depending on the total number of games in the match:

In this example, if the match goes to 23 games or more, you’re cashing in with a payout of $217. But if it wraps up with fewer than 23 games, you walk away with nothing. And, if the bet is voided, you’ll get your original $100 back.

What to Consider When Betting on Over 22.5 Games in Tennis?

When you’re placing a bet on Total Games Over 22.5, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Match Format (Bo3 or Bo5 Sets): Men’s Grand Slam matches, for example, are best of five, which generally increases the total game count.

Men’s vs. Women’s Matches: Women’s matches are always best of three sets. Typically, if there’s a clear favorite, the match might end quickly, often with a total game count between 18–19. However, if both players are closely matched, you might see the total games push 22 or higher.

Player Rankings and Match-Ups: Are the players high-ranking stars like Djokovic or Alcaraz, or are they lower-tier competitors? Matches between top-tier players often go the distance, with totals frequently surpassing 23 games in a best of three, and even 26 or more – especially if it’s a clash between the ATP top 10 players.

Is There a Clear Favorite? If one player is heavily favored, the match might end in straight sets with fewer games. But in evenly matched contests, especially in men’s tennis, you can expect totals closer to 23 games in a best of three and around 36 in a best of five.

Keep in mind that these numbers are averages and shouldn’t be taken as guaranteed outcomes. They’re useful guidelines for making more informed Total Games Over bets, but the unpredictable nature of tennis means anything can happen on the court.