What Happens to Your Bet When a Tennis Player Retires?
- No universal rule - settlement depends on bookie.
- Walkover voids bets; retirements vary.
- Bets stand after first set or full match.
- Check our guide for your bookmaker’s rule.
Richard Trenchard
Last updated 30 Jan 2026
Been left frustrated by tennis betting rules? What does retired mean in tennis betting? What is a walkover in tennis, and how does this impact a bet? All valid questions that may arise when wagering on a match. Unfortunately, not all bookies in the UK apply the same rules or terms to bets that feature one of these outcomes. This tennis retirement rule guide provides readers with the definitive answer.
Table of contents
- 1.The Critical First Step: Retirement vs. Walkover
- 2.Best bookmakers for betting in UK
- 3.The 3 Main Types of Tennis Retirement Rules
- 4.Bookmaker Rules Compared: Who Does What?
- 5.How Retirements Affect Other Bet Types (Totals, Spreads, etc.)
- 6.Conclusion
The Critical First Step: Retirement vs. Walkover
When using Flashscore’s live statistics and coverage of tennis matches, bettors may have noticed a contest finished before it was scheduled to. A player has either retired while playing the match, or they have managed to progress as a ‘walkover’ without playing at all.
So, what is the difference?
- Retirement – A retirement in tennis occurs when a player withdraws from a match while it is in progress and before it is completed. A player can typically leave the game because of injury or illness. This is where betting rules begin to get slightly complex.
- Walkover – A walkover will occur when a player withdraws from a match before it is played. Again, this is typically due to illness or injury.
When a walkover occurs, the betting rule is much simpler. All bets are voided, and the stake is returned in full. Simply, as the match never took place, there was nothing to bet on.
Best bookmakers for betting in UK
Still a relatively new operator for UK players, 7Bet has emerged as a top option for bettors seeking more. The operator has a host of markets to wager...
| Overall rating | 91% |
|---|
Betfair’s a world-renowned sportsbook, offering bettors in the UK a competitive offering. They feature thousands of markets across many sports, with o...
| Overall rating | 85% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 88% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 86% |
|---|
Dabble is one of the newest sportsbooks to enter the UK betting industry, and they’ve already looked to make a huge difference in it. Dabble focuses o...
| Overall rating | 89% |
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The 3 Main Types of Tennis Retirement Rules
When a tennis retirement occurs, tennis betting rules become complex. Three main rules come into effect:
1. The “First Set Completion” Rule
For a match bet to stand, the first set of the wagered event must have been completed fully. If a player then retires once the first set has been played, the player who advances is awarded the win in betting terms. However, if the match ends before the first set, the bet is voided.
2. The “Full Match Completion” Rule
The “Full Match Completion” rule is the strictest in tennis betting. This one requires the entire match to be played for the match bet to stand. If it ends before an official winner of the match is determined, all match winner bets are then voided.
3. The “Ball is Served” Rule (Less Common)
A less common rule that exists in tennis betting is the “Ball is Served” rule. This will treat all bets as live as soon as the first serve of the match is made. The player who wins the match is then declared the winner for betting purposes, regardless of when the retirement happens.
Bookmaker Rules Compared: Who Does What?
When it comes to bookmakers and the rules they implement, additional confusion can arise because each bookmaker has its own terms regarding tennis retirements.
Let’s take the retirement that happened during Jannik Sinner’s match against Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Masters final in August 2025. The Italian was unable to keep going as he was struggling with illness, leaving him to withdraw from the game when he was 0-5 in the first set.
Now, depending on the bookie that was used, bettors may have encountered different betting outcomes in this scenario. Let’s take a look at how this match would have been settled by some of the most reputable in the UK…
DISCLAIMER: Promotional rules and terms can change. This information is for guidance and was last updated in October 2025. Always confirm the official rules on your bookmaker’s website.
How Retirements Affect Other Bet Types (Totals, Spreads, etc.)
Tennis retirement betting rules can affect other bet types, including props and in-play markets. Again, it can depend on the bookie that is used, as each will have a different stance on what remains active and what is voided.
Below are some other types of bets commonly placed and how they can be affected by retirement tennis betting rules…
- Match Winner Bets – Governed by the rules that are featured in the table above.
- Total Games / Set Spreads – Bets are often settled if the outcome is determined:
- For example, if you bet ‘Over 19.5 Games’ and a player retires with the score at 6-4, 5-4, your bet is a winner because 19 games have been completed, and the 20th was guaranteed to start. If the retirement happened at 3-2, the bet would be void as the outcome was unknown.
- Correct Score / Set Betting – Bets on this market are typically voided as the score isn’t known before a player’s retirement.
Conclusion
When it comes to tennis retirement betting rules, confusion can exist. Bettors must recognise that it is down to their chosen bookmaker and its rules, as there isn’t one standard across the industry.
Now that you recognise this, you can make informed decisions about whether a sportsbook is right for your tennis betting experiences, as retirements can happen. You will know what to expect and not be left surprised if a bet becomes voided or is settled for whatever reason.
Understanding the rules can help encourage responsible gambling, which is imperative when placing bets on tennis. Stick to wagering with small stakes, keeping to a budget, and never chasing losses. Remember, gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment, never as a way to make money.
FAQ
What is the difference between a retirement and a walkover in tennis?
A walkover is when a player withdraws before a match starts, while a retirement is when a player quits during play.
Do Bet365 and Unibet have the same tennis retirement rules?
Rules differ between the two; Bet365 usually voids bets if a player retires; Unibet may settle match bets if a set has been completed.
What happens to my bet if a tennis match is suspended for rain?
If a match is suspended for rain, bets remain active and are settled once the match resumes or voided if play cannot continue.
How does a retirement affect my parlay/accumulator bet?
If a leg in your parlay/accumulator is voided due to retirement, your bet remains valid but is recalculated without that leg.
Do these betting rules apply to both ATP and WTA matches?
Unless stated, tennis retirement betting rules apply to both ATP and WTA matches.
What happens if a player is disqualified from a tennis match?
If a player is disqualified, some bookmakers settle bets as a win for the opponent, while others void non-settled markets. It is important to check each bookie’s terms.
Which bookmakers will void a bet if a player retires?
bet365, betway, William Hill, BetVictor, 7bet, Betano UK, Parimatch, and talkSPORTBET will void match bets if it cannot be concluded because of a player’s retirement.
Meet the Author
We're delighted to have Richard on board at Flashscore. Offering a wealth of experience, Rich used to be a national newspaper and sports journalist before focussing entirely on the igaming and sports betting spheres. That means he is able to combine super sharp editorial instinct and crisp content with a wealth of information, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business over the past decade. So, when you see Rich's name on an article, you know it's packed information you can trust. Whether it's information on a particular casino, betting terms explained, betting tips, the best betting sites around, or anything else, Rich has got your back.
