In this free recurring feature, we will post the best tennis props tips for the top DFS pick’em and betting sites, along with the reasons why.
Tennis has become a popular sport for DFS and betting, so let’s see if we can make some money and pick some winners. We will also be posting frequent plays with well-reasoned analysis for the biggest events, so keep checking back!
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Tennis Props Tips – DFS Pick’em & Betting Guide
Tennis player props can offer sharp bettors a profitable edge, if they know where to look. Unlike traditional match odds, props let you isolate specific outcomes like total aces, double faults, number of sets won, or even individual set winners. But without the right approach, it’s easy to get burned.
Here’s how to improve your tennis props strategy and make sharper bets.
Know the Surface, Know the Player
Not all courts are created equal, and that matters a lot when betting tennis props. Surface speed plays a huge role in player performance. Here’s what to watch:
- Grass: Fastest surface, favors big servers (think: Alexander Zverev).
- Hard Court: Balanced conditions, but bounce varies between venues.
- Clay: Slows the game down, rewards grinders and defensive baseliners.
If you’re betting on props like total aces or service games won, the surface has to be part of your model. Someone like Aryna Sabalenka might average 12 aces on grass but just 6 on clay.
Head-to-Head Matchups Tell a Story
Past results between two players aren’t just trivia. They’re data points. When two players have history, check these:
- Who wins more service games?
- Are matches going the distance?
- Is there a pattern in break points converted?
If a matchup regularly produces long three-setters, there’s value in overs on total games, sets played, or player to win a set props.
Serve & Return Metrics Are Gold
If you’re betting tennis props, serve/return stats should be your bread and butter. Focus on:
- First Serve %
- Service points won %
- Break points saved
- Return games won
Aces and double faults are the obvious outputs, but don’t overlook the deeper numbers. For example, a player with a strong second serve win percentage can survive high-pressure moments, making them more reliable for overs on games won.
Watch for Fatigue & Injury Trends
Tennis players grind through long seasons, and fatigue is real. That’s where sharp bettors thrive:
- Back unders if a player has gone deep in consecutive tournaments.
- Fade players coming off five-set marathons, especially in humid/hard conditions.
- Track players with nagging injuries, especially those affecting serve motion.
These physical factors are rarely priced into prop markets early enough. Use them to your advantage.
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Track Line Movement & Market Sentiment
Props are often softer than moneyline markets, but they do move, especially around majors. Look at:
- Opening lines vs. closing lines
- Movement correlated with weather changes (like wind, which kills serve props)
- Public vs. sharp action (some sportsbooks release prop bet splits)
When totals move a full game or ace props tick a few serves up or down, that tells you where the smart money is leaning.
Target Lesser-Known Players and Early Rounds
Books aren’t as sharp when it comes to Challenger-level guys or lesser-known WTA matchups. If you’ve done your homework, there’s more value betting:
- Props in first-round matches, especially when talent is lopsided.
- Up-and-comers with elite junior stats who haven’t hit the mainstream yet.
- Niche markets during smaller ATP 250 and WTA International events.
You won’t get the same prop depth as Grand Slams, but the lines will often be beatable.
Weather, Altitude & Conditions Matter
Fast courts in Mexico City? Slower ones in Miami humidity? Props like service holds and aces are tied to conditions:
- High altitude = faster conditions = more aces, shorter rallies.
- Windy conditions = fewer clean service games = more breaks.
Always factor in the external conditions. They don’t show up on the stat sheet — but they impact everything.
Props Are About Context, Not Just Stats
Tennis props aren’t about blindly riding numbers. It’s about context — surfaces, opponents, mental game, fitness, and even the crowd. When you understand the full picture, your edge increases exponentially.
So stop chasing volume plays on name-brand players and start handicapping props like a pro. The next time you see a “Player A Over 8.5 Aces” market? You’ll know how to break it down.
Most Popular Tennis Props & Betting Markets
See below for an overview of all of the most popular markets in tennis. Most of these are self-explanatory, and it should be noted that this is not a complete list of every type out there.
- Games Won
- Games Lost
- Sets Won
- Sets Lost
- Games Played
- Aces
- Breakpoints Won
