In the world of racquet sports, classic tennis has long been a global mainstay attracting millions of fans and bettors. But in recent years, padel tennis has surged in popularity across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. With more sportsbooks adding padel markets, the question arises: Which sport is better for betting — classic tennis or padel?
Let’s explore how they differ, how each behaves from a bettor’s perspective, and what you should know before choosing one over the other.
The Basics: What’s the Difference?
While both sports involve racquets, courts, and scoring systems, their pace, style, and structure are quite different.
Classic Tennis:
- Played in singles or doubles on a large court
- Open court with no walls or barriers
- Fast, power-based gameplay with longer rallies
- ATP and WTA tours with global coverage
- Extensive data and stats available for analysis
Padel Tennis:
- Always played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court
- Uses glass walls, which are part of the game
- Slower-paced, more tactical rallies
- No global tour yet, but rapid expansion in regional tournaments
- Limited data and betting markets (still growing)
Betting Market Comparison
The differences between these sports also affect how you approach betting. Classic tennis offers a mature, stable market, while padel is still new and potentially full of hidden value.
Classic Tennis — Pros for Betting:
- Deep markets (outrights, sets, totals, breaks, etc.)
- Access to historic player data and rankings
- High liquidity and strong bookmaker competition
Classic Tennis — Cons:
- Odds often highly efficient (hard to find value)
- Big swings due to in-game momentum and injuries
Padel Tennis — Pros for Betting:
- Undervalued markets due to lower public interest
- Less bookmaker adjustment = more frequent value odds
- Easier to track form in smaller circuits
Padel Tennis — Cons:
- Fewer live betting options
- Limited statistical data
- Less media coverage
Table: Betting Comparison
| Aspect | Classic Tennis | Padel Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Market Depth | Very High | Moderate |
| Data Availability | Extensive | Limited |
| Popularity for Betting | Global | Regional (growing) |
| Live Betting Options | Wide range | Few |
| Risk for Beginners | Medium | High (due to low info) |
Which One Should You Choose for Betting?
It depends on your experience and betting style:
Choose Classic Tennis If You:
- Prefer large events (Grand Slams, ATP/WTA)
- Rely on data and rankings
- Want access to multiple markets per match
- Are new to sports betting and need stability
Choose Padel Tennis If You:
- Enjoy smaller markets with less competition
- Like scouting value manually
- Want to bet on regional tournaments with low bookmaker attention
- Are experienced in niche betting strategies
Both classic tennis and padel tennis offer interesting paths for sports bettors — but with very different profiles. Classic tennis is ideal for structured, data-driven strategies, while padel is better suited for experienced bettors looking to exploit inefficiencies in emerging markets.
If you’re new to racquet sports betting, start with classic tennis to build your foundation. If you’re ready for a challenge and have time to research lesser-known circuits, padel could be your hidden gem.
As the betting world evolves, both sports will continue to offer opportunities. The key is knowing your strengths, understanding each market, and betting with discipline.