What Does “Under 23” Mean in Tennis Betting?
“Under 23” in tennis betting refers to a total games market. You’re betting that the total number of games played in a match will be fewer than 23.
If the total games = 22 or fewer, you win.
If the total games = 23 or more, you lose.
How Are Games Counted?
Games = the total of both players’ games across all sets.
Example:
- Final Score: 6–3, 6–4
- Total Games: 6+3 + 6+4 = 19 games (Under 23 wins)
- Final Score: 7–6, 6–4
- Total Games: 7+6 + 6+4 = 23 games (Under 23 loses)
When to Bet “Under 23”?
Here are key betting strategies and tips:
1. Expect a One-Sided Match
- A strong favorite is likely to win in straight sets with few games.
- Look for matches like:
- Novak Djokovic vs a qualifier
- Iga Swiatek vs lower-ranked player
Example:
Djokovic vs Player Ranked 90
- Likely outcome: 6–2, 6–3 → Total = 17 games
2. Fast Playing Conditions
- Fast courts (like grass or indoor hard) often lead to quick sets.
- If a big server dominates service games and wins 6–3, 6–4, you stay under 23.
3. WTA Matches
- Many WTA (women’s) matches finish quickly and with few tie-breaks.
- Less likely to go beyond 22 games unless it’s very competitive.
When to Avoid “Under 23”?
1. Evenly Matched Players
- Matches likely to go 3 sets (in best-of-3 format) often go over 23 games.
Example:
Score: 6–4, 4–6, 6–3 → Total = 29 games
2. Big Servers (ATP)
- Matches between players like Isner, Raonic, or Opelka often have many tie-breaks, which add up the game total quickly.
Example:
Score: 7–6, 7–6 → Total = 26 games
Smart Betting Tips
- Check Head-to-Head Stats: Have they played close matches before?
- Look at Recent Form: Is one player dominating or both struggling?
- Surface Matters: Clay = longer rallies (higher totals), Grass/Indoor = quicker matches (good for under).
- Use Live Betting: If one player wins the first set easily (6–1), and looks dominant, betting under in-play could be profitable.
Real-Life Betting Example
- Match: Swiatek vs Kasatkina
- Pre-match Bet: Under 23 games
- Result: 6–2, 6–3 → Total = 17 games Win!
Summary:
| Factor | Good for Under 23? |
|---|---|
| Big favorite vs weak player | Yes |
| Fast surface | Yes |
| Close match expected | No |
| Known for tie-breaks | No |
| Best of 3 sets format | Yes |
If you’d like, I can provide today’s best Under 23 picks based on live tennis matches.