Total Games Over 8.5 in Tennis Betting: Explained 

In tennis betting, total games over 8.5 is a wager that the total number of games in a particular set will be at least 9 (or more).

This bet is placed with the expectation that the set will be competitive, with neither player able to secure an early win, leading to scores such as 6:3, 6:4, or more.

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Real-World Application of Over 8.5 Games Bet

What are the conditions for winning or losing the bet? Here’s a simple explanation.

Suppose you place a $100 bet on there being over 8.5 games in the first set of a highly anticipated match between two top-10 players, say, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

If the set goes to a tiebreak, with Medvedev winning 7:6, your bet is successful because the total number of games played is 13.

On the other hand, if Tsitsipas manages to secure an early lead and wins the set 6:2, the bet does not pay out, as only 8 games were played in total.

Note: This bet suits scenarios where a close contest is expected, with neither player giving away easy games.

Best Markets to Bet on with Total Points Over 8.5

• Set Intensity

The most common market for the over 8.5 games bet is on the total number of games in a set. You’re predicting a closely fought set with at least 9 games played.

For example, if you’re betting on the second set, you’re predicting that there will be 9 or more games played in that set.

• Player’s Game Count

You can also bet on a player to win at least 9 games in the match, which is a common strategy when two players are closely matched.

Note: While other markets do exist, they are not as commonly available.

Tennis Betting Playbook: Pro Tips for Total Over 8.5 Points Bet

Player Playstyle Profiling: Players with an aggressive baseline approach tend to create a high number of winners and unforced errors, which can extend the game count. For instance, a match featuring Rafael Nadal, known for his tenacity and powerful groundstrokes, could lead to longer games as he battles for every point.

Format Matters: The Bo5 sets in Grand Slams can lead to fluctuating momentum and extended games, particularly in the later rounds where competition stiffens.

Court Surface Considerations: Hard courts, such as the Australian Open, often favor big servers who can end points quickly with aces and winners.

Serve and Return Balance: In matches, especially in the WTA where serve dominance is less pronounced, the return game becomes crucial. A duel between players like Iga Swiatek and Alizé Cornet, both possessing strong return skills, could see numerous service breaks, pushing the game count over 8.5.

Non-Refundable: Remember, over 8.5 bets are non-refundable. It’s essential to strategize carefully when including this bet in accumulators.

Note: In tennis betting, retirements can cause an unexpected twist. If a player retires, say due to an ankle sprain, bookmakers may vary in their response. Some might offer a ‘walkover’ refund, setting odds at even (1.00). Others might default to a ‘retirement rule’, where the retiring player is deemed to have lost the remaining games by default. For example, if a player retires after securing a 7:6 set, the match could be settled as a 1:2 loss (7:6, 0:6, 0:6). Always review these rules before placing your bet to avoid surprises.