What Does Away (+1.5) Mean in Tennis Betting?
In tennis handicap betting, Away (+1.5) gives the away player a 1.5-set advantage before the match begins.
This means:
- The away player starts with +1.5 sets added to their score.
- You win the bet if the away player wins the match or loses by only one set (for example, 2–1 in a best-of-three match).
It’s a way for bookmakers to balance the odds between a strong favorite and an underdog.
Example: How Away (+1.5) Works
Let’s take a real-world example:
Match: Novak Djokovic (Home) vs. Alexander Zverev (Away)
Bet: Zverev +1.5 sets
Here’s how the bet plays out:
| Match Result | Zverev +1.5 Outcome | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|
| Djokovic wins 2–0 | Zverev loses both sets | Lose |
| Djokovic wins 2–1 | Zverev loses by one set | Win |
| Zverev wins 2–0 | Zverev wins outright | Win |
So, even if Zverev loses 2–1, your bet still wins because the +1.5 set handicap covers one lost set.
Why Bettors Choose Away (+1.5)
- Safer option for underdogs: If you think the away player will fight hard but may not win outright, +1.5 is a great safety net.
- Close matches: Use this when two players are evenly matched and the match is likely to go three sets.
- Strong server advantage: Players who are good on serve often push matches to deciding sets, making +1.5 valuable.
Betting Tips for Away (+1.5) in Tennis
- Check head-to-head stats: If the away player often takes at least one set from the opponent, +1.5 could be a smart bet.
- Analyze surface type: Some players perform better on specific courts (e.g., clay or grass).
- Consider player form: Recent performance, fatigue, and injuries can affect set outcomes.
- Use live betting: If the away player looks strong in the first set, you might find better live odds for a +1.5 bet.
- Avoid heavy favorites: Don’t use +1.5 if the home player is dominating opponents easily (e.g., 2–0 wins consistently).
Example Betting Scenario
Match: Daniil Medvedev (Home) vs. Hubert Hurkacz (Away)
- Hurkacz is known for strong serves and close matches.
- You bet on Away (+1.5) because he’s likely to take at least one set.
If Medvedev wins 2–1, your bet wins because Hurkacz covered the +1.5 set handicap.
Key Takeaway
- Away (+1.5) = The away player gets a +1.5 set head start.
- You win if the away player wins the match or loses by one set.
- Best used when betting on underdogs or evenly matched players.