Total Games Under 19.5 in Tennis Betting Explained

When betting on the Total Games Under 19.5 market in tennis, you’re predicting that the match will finish with 19 or fewer games.

To win this bet, the match must end with 19 or fewer games played — like 19, 18, 17, or less.

Bookmakers might show this bet as – Total: Under 19.5, Total Match Games Under 19.5, or Total Games 2-Way Under 19.5. Here’s a glimpse at how it looks on Stake.com:

Total Games Under 19.5

Note: There’s no safety net for a refund unless the match gets canceled or something shady happens, like the game being flagged for match-fixing.

How Is a Total Games Under 19.5 Bet Calculated? 

Let’s walk through how the Total Games Under 19.5 wager is calculated using a straightforward example.

So, imagine you’ve placed a $100 bet with odds of 2.13. Here’s what happens based on the total number of games in the match:

In this scenario, if the match ends with 19 games or fewer, you’re cashing in with a payout of $213. But if the match finishes with 20+ games, you lose the bet. And, if the bet is voided, you’ll get your original $100 back.

What to Consider When Betting on Under 19.5 Games in Tennis? 

When betting on Total Games Under 19.5, here are the key factors to keep in mind:

The Impact of Bo3 vs. Bo5 Sets

In Grand Slam events like the French Open or Australian Open, men’s matches are played as best of 5 sets (Bo5), naturally leading to more games. However, in most ATP 250 or ATP 500 tournaments, as well as all WTA events, matches are best of 3 sets (Bo3), making it more likely for matches to stay under 19.5 games.

Gender Differences

When betting on WTA matches, which are always Bo3, it’s common to see fewer games when a top seed faces a lower-ranked player. In these cases, the total game count often hovers around the 18-19 range. However, if the players are more evenly matched — particularly in the later rounds of a major like the Australian Open — the match can easily push past 19 games.

Favorite vs. Underdog Dynamics

A significant gap in skill level often keeps the total game count low, particularly in women’s tennis. In men’s Bo3 matches, with a heavy favorite, the total often stays around 21 games. But in matches where the players are closely matched, the game total might hover around 23.

Elite Players vs. Average Matchups

When elite players face off, especially in men’s tennis, even a Bo3 match might push the game total beyond 19 games (reaching 26 or even more). In Bo5 matches, the total frequently approaches or exceeds 30 games, especially in closely contested matchups.

While these insights can guide your betting, remember that each match is different. Always review tournament specifics and player conditions before placing your bet.