Tennis Retirement Rules

Tennis retirement rules differ from bookmaker to bookmaker so its important to know what the rules are to ensure we do not expose ourselves to any potential loses whether its a bet that will not be paid or exposure to liability.

In general there are currently 5 different rules across the market. The main 3 rules used are:

1 Set Complete

For the bet to be valid one set must have been completed. If a player retires in the first set, bets will be void with the stake returned. If the first set has been completed, the bet will now valid.

Match Completed

For the bet to be valid the entire match must have been completed. If a player retires during the match, the bet will be void.

Matched Completed (except if a disqualification has occurred)

For the bet to be valid the entire match must have been completed. If a player retires during the match, the bet will be void. If however a player is disqualified, the player progressing to the next round will be settled as a winner.

The two lesser used types are:

Ball Served

For the bet to be valid one serve must have been completed. If a player retires after the first serve, the bet will still be valid.

2 Sets Complete

For the bet to be valid two sets must have been completed. If a player retires in the second set, bets will be void with the stake returned. If the second set has been completed, the bet will now valid.

Exchanges

Exchanges all use the 1 set complete rule, so if you are backing and laying it is important that the bookmaker has the same retirement rule. If the bookmaker used a different retirement rule it may be better to dutch the offer with a bookmaker who uses the same rule. For more information on dutching, check out the guide here.

Summary

If we were to use a bookmaker that uses the match complete rule but lay our bet at an exchange we could be open to potential liability loss. For example, Player A has retired in the third round leaving your back bet void as the match was not complete. However we would lose our lay bet at the exchange as the exchange will settle the selection as a loser and award the win to Player B.

Skybet, Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power also have a unique clause in their retirement rules which can benefit us. The upheld the same 1 set complete rule as the exchanges, however Skybet will void Match Result bets if the player you’ve backed retires after the first set, meaning you receive your stake back at the bookmaker and win your lay bet at the exchange.

Bookmakers and the rules they use