Tennis Betting Rules: Walkovers & Retirements

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• Table of Contents

• Check the tennis betting rules of your bookmaker before placing any bet — every bookmaker sets their own terms.

• If a player retires during a match, most bookmakers require at least one full set for match bets to count.

• When a player doesn’t start the match, it’s called a walkover — in most cases, the bookmaker voids the bet and returns your stake.

• Understand how each tennis bet type works — rules differ for match betting, set betting, handicaps, and prop bets.

When betting on tennis, the most important thing to know is that the rules can vary depending on the bookmaker. Still, some basic principles apply almost everywhere.

Most tennis bets are based on the official result of the match. However, for your bet to count, the game usually has to start and reach a particular stage, like completing one set. If a game is canceled, interrupted, or ends early, the outcome of your bet may depend on your bookmaker’s rules.

Not all bets are settled the same way. The rules can vary based on the type of bet you place and the situation during the match. That’s why reading the tennis betting rules in your sportsbook is always a smart move.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how tennis betting usually works

1. Depending on the market, you place your bet before or during the match.

2. The match must begin and often reach a minimum stage (like one set) for most bets to be valid.

3. The bet is settled based on the final official result unless the match ends early, in which case, special rules apply.

In tennis betting, a player retiring during a match is one of the most common causes of confusion. What happens to your bet depends on how much of the match was played before the player stopped.

Generally, if a player retires before the match is completed, your bet might be voided, especially in markets like match winner or set score. Some bookmakers require at least one set to be finished for bets to stand. Others may void the bet even if a single point was played, while a few will settle the bet as long as the outcome was already clear.

Tennis retirement betting rules can vary depending on where you place your bet. Always check the tennis retirement rules before placing your bet. It helps you avoid losing money if the match ends unexpectedly.

Below are examples from some of the most popular betting sites.

Bookmaker	Retirement Rule Summary
Bet365	Match bets are void if a player retires before the first set is completed. If one full set is completed, bets stand.
Unibet	Bets are void unless one full set is completed. If a player retires after a set is finished, bets are settled based on the result.
FanDuel	All match bets are void if the match isn’t completed, regardless of how much has been played.
Betway	One set must be completed for bets to stand. Otherwise, bets are void and stakes are returned.
DraftKings	Bets are void if the match is not completed. All outcomes must be officially decided for a bet to count.

A walkover in tennis happens when one player cannot start the match, often due to injury, illness, or personal reasons. Since the game never begins, there's no official result. Generally, when this occurs, most bets on the match are voided, meaning your stake is returned.

This rule applies to most standard tennis betting markets, including match-winner and set betting. Walkovers can happen in any tournament stage — from the first round to the final — so it's essential to understand how they affect the outcome of your bet.

Most bookmakers treat a walkover as a void bet and return your stake. But some may handle certain bet types differently, so it’s important to check the rules.. Knowing how your chosen platform deals with walkovers can save you from unexpected results on your bet slip. 

Here's a quick overview of the walkover rules at some of the most popular betting sites.

Bookmaker	Walkover Rule Summary
Bet365	All bets are void if a walkover occurs — the match must start for bets to stand.
Unibet	If the match doesn’t begin, all bets are void and stakes are returned.
FanDuel	Bets are void if the player withdraws before the first point is played.
Betway	All bets on the match are void if it ends in a walkover.
DraftKings	Bets are canceled if a player pulls out before the match begins — treated as a void.

Not every tennis match goes as planned. Tiebreaks, weather delays, player injuries, or unexpected rule formats like pro sets can affect settling your bet. These scenarios don't happen often in tennis, but when they do, it's essential to know how they impact your bet.

Tiebreaks are common in tennis, and most sportsbooks include them in set and game totals unless stated otherwise. For example, if a set ends 7–6 after a tiebreak, all games — including the tiebreak — count toward total games and over/under bets.

Pro sets, which are sometimes used in exhibition matches or local tournaments, can be confusing. These formats usually play to a set number of games (like first to 8 or 10). If your sportsbook doesn't mention pro sets in its rules, it's best to avoid betting on those matches or confirm with support first.

The weather can interrupt outdoor tennis matches at any time. Rain delays, extreme heat, or poor light can cause matches to pause or be suspended. In most cases, tennis bets remain valid if the match resumes within a set period, usually between 24 and 72 hours, depending on the bookmaker.

If the match is canceled or never resumed, most tennis betting sites will void the bet and return your stake. But if a market, like first-set betting or over/under games, is settled before the delay, that part of your bet will usually stand. Always check the specific betting rules on your sportsbook when weather delays occur.

Injuries are part of the game and can influence how a match plays out, especially in live tennis betting. If a player takes a medical timeout or shows signs of limited movement, odds can shift quickly. These situations don't affect your bet directly but may impact the outcome.

Medical breaks, treatment delays, or brief stoppages usually don't change how a tennis bet is settled. Bets stay active during medical timeouts unless the sportsbook pauses the market for fairness or safety. Knowing how injuries affect tennis betting helps you make smarter choices during live play.

Tennis betting isn't just about the match winner. You can bet on set scores, game handicaps, in-play outcomes, and more. Each bet type follows its own rules, and understanding them is key to avoiding surprises.

Match betting is the most popular tennis bet, and it involves picking who will win the match.

Key rules and how it works

• You place a bet on one player to win the match outright.
• If your player wins, the bet pays out.
• If the match is not completed (retirement or walkover), the bet may be void unless the rules say otherwise (e.g., one full set completed).
• Bookmaker rules vary — some require only the first point, others need a full match. 

Example  

You place a tennis match-betting bet on Player A to win the game. If Player A wins, your bet wins. If the match is stopped before it finishes (e.g., due to injury), the bet may be void, depending on your sportsbook's tennis betting rules.

Tennis handicap betting helps balance the odds when one player is heavily favored. The bookmaker gives one player a virtual advantage or disadvantage in games or sets. 

Key rules and how it works

• You bet on a player to win with a handicap applied (e.g., -3.5 games or +1.5 sets).
• The handicap adjusts the actual match score.
• If the adjusted score favors your player, your bet wins.
• If the match ends early (retirement), many bookmakers void handicap bets unless a set number of games or sets have been completed. 

Example  

If Player A wins 6-4, 6-4, and has a -2.5 game handicap, they still cover the spread (12-8 = +4) 

Prop bets (short for proposition bets) and in-play bets focus on specific events within a match, not the final result.

Key rules and how it works

• Prop bets are usually settled as soon as the outcome is known.
• In-play bets can change rapidly and may be paused during medical timeouts or delays.
• If the match is stopped before the prop bet is decided, it's often voided.
• Always confirm if your bookmaker settles live bets point-by-point or only after a complete game.

Example 

You place a live bet on Player A to win the next game. If the game is completed and Player A wins it, your bet wins — even if the match is later suspended or the opponent retires afterward. 

Set betting means predicting the exact final score in sets.

Key rules and how it works

• You pick the winner and the correct number of sets.
• The bet only wins if both parts are correct.
• Most sportsbooks void the bet if the match is not completed (e.g., due to retirement).
• Some bookmakers may settle the bet if the full outcome is already clear when the match ends early.

Example 

You bet on Player B to win 2–1 in sets. If Player B loses the first set but wins the next two, your bet wins. Any other result and the bet loses, even if Player B wins the match 2–0.

Understanding tennis betting rules and how each bet type works is just the start. To turn that knowledge into smarter bets, check out our full guide on winning tennis betting strategies.

Choosing the right sportsbook matters when it comes to tennis betting rules. Some bookmakers offer more precise terms for retirements, walkovers, and live tennis bets. This helps to avoid confusion and unexpected voids.

Below is a list of the top betting sites known for fair and transparent tennis betting policies.

1. Bet365

2. Unibet

3. Betway

4. FanDuel

5. DraftKings

6. William Hill

7. Pinnacle

8. 888sport

9. Bwin

10. LeoVegas

Tennis betting gets easier when you know the rules, especially for retirements, walkovers, and different bet types. Don’t rely on assumptions. Always read the terms for each market before placing a bet.

Pro tip: Keep a screenshot or saved link to your sportsbook’s tennis rules section. If a match ends unexpectedly, you’ll have proof of how the bet should be handled. It’s a simple step that can save you time and money.