What Does Away (-1.5) Mean in Tennis Betting?
In tennis sports betting, Away (-1.5) means the away player must win the match by more than 1.5 sets (usually in best-of-three matches) or by more than 1.5 games, depending on whether the handicap applies to sets or games.
Most commonly, this refers to a game handicap, where the away player needs to win by at least two more games than the home player.
Example 1: Game Handicap – Away (-1.5)
Let’s say you’re betting on a match:
- Home Player: Novak Djokovic
- Away Player: Daniil Medvedev
- Handicap: Away (-1.5)
For your bet on Away (-1.5) to win, Medvedev must win at least 2 more games than Djokovic over the entire match.
Winning Scenario:
- Final Score: Medvedev 6–4, 7–6
- Total Games: Medvedev 13 – Djokovic 10
- Difference: +3 games for Medvedev → Bet Wins
Losing Scenario:
- Final Score: Medvedev 7–6, 5–7, 6–4
- Total Games: Medvedev 18 – Djokovic 17
- Difference: +1 game → Bet Loses
Example 2: Set Handicap – Away (-1.5)
If the handicap is applied to sets instead of games, then Away (-1.5) means the away player must win by at least 2 sets.
Let’s say:
- Home Player: Carlos Alcaraz
- Away Player: Alexander Zverev
- Set Handicap: Away (-1.5)
Winning Scenario:
- Final Score: Zverev wins 2–0 → Bet Wins
Losing Scenario:
- Final Score: Zverev wins 2–1 or loses the match → Bet Loses
Betting Tips for Away (-1.5) in Tennis
- Analyze Player Form:
Bet on Away (-1.5) only when the away player is in strong form and likely to win comfortably. Check recent results and serve statistics. - Surface Advantage Matters:
Some players perform better on specific surfaces (e.g., Nadal on clay, Federer on grass). Always consider surface type before betting. - Avoid Evenly Matched Games:
When both players are close in ranking and form, the chance of a narrow win increases. Handicap bets are riskier in such cases. - Use Live Betting Opportunities:
If the away player starts strong, betting in-play on Away (-1.5) can offer better value odds. - Check Head-to-Head Records:
Review past meetings — if the away player has consistently won by big margins, the (-1.5) line might be a smart bet.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Many beginners assume Away (-1.5) just means “away player wins.” But it’s not that simple — they must win by at least 2 games (or sets) for your bet to cash out. Always read whether the handicap applies to sets or games before placing your bet.
Quick Summary Table
| Bet Type | What You Need | Example Outcome | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Away (-1.5) Games | Away player wins by 2+ games | 6–4, 7–6 | Win |
| Away (-1.5) Sets | Away player wins 2–0 | 2–0 | Win |
| Away (-1.5) Games | Away player wins by 1 or fewer games | 7–6, 5–7, 6–4 | Lose |
Final Thoughts
Betting on Away (-1.5) in tennis can be profitable if you understand player strengths, surface performance, and recent form. It’s best used when a strong favorite plays against a weaker opponent, and you expect a comfortable victory.
Always combine stats, logic, and discipline before placing any bet.