What Is a Walkover in Tennis?
A walkover in tennis occurs when a player advances to the next round of a tournament without playing a match because their opponent has withdrawn before the match begins. Specifically, a walkover happens when a player pulls out before the first serve of the first game is struck. Even if both players are on court during the warm-up, if one player withdraws before play officially starts, it is classified as a walkover rather than a retirement.
The term "walkover" is believed to originate from the literal act of a player walking over to the net to inform the chair umpire or their opponent that they cannot compete. In professional tennis, the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) formally defines a walkover as a match that "did not begin because the losing player was ill, injured, subjected to Code of Conduct penalties, or otherwise not permitted by ATP or tournament supervisor to play."
How Is a Walkover Different From a Retirement?
Understanding the distinction between a walkover and a retirement is crucial for tennis bettors, as the two situations have significantly different implications for bet settlement. While both involve a player withdrawing from competition, they occur at different stages of the match.
| Aspect | Walkover | Retirement |
|---|---|---|
| When it occurs | Before the match begins (before first serve) | During the match after play has started |
| Match status | No points played | At least some points/games completed |
| Bet settlement | Almost universally void | Depends on sportsbook rules and which set is completed |
| Opponent's result | Advances automatically | May win or have bets voided depending on rules |
| Prize money | Varies by tournament | Player typically receives compensation |
| ATP classification | Formal walkover | Retirement/Unfinished match |
A walkover is a pre-match withdrawal. The opponent receives an automatic advancement without any tennis being played. From a betting perspective, this is straightforward: virtually all sportsbooks void walkover bets universally, refunding stakes to customers.
A retirement, by contrast, occurs during the match. A player may retire after the first game, midway through the second set, or at any point during play. The settlement of retirement bets depends on the specific sportsbook's rules and how many sets have been completed at the time of the retirement.
What Causes Walkovers and Retirements?
Common Reasons for Walkovers
Walkovers in professional tennis are relatively uncommon but do occur regularly throughout the ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam circuits. The primary reasons include:
Injury or Illness Before Match: A player may sustain an injury during training, warm-up, or in a previous match that makes them unable to compete. Similarly, acute illness—such as food poisoning, flu, or other medical conditions—can force a withdrawal. These are by far the most common reasons for walkovers.
Code of Conduct Violations: While rare, a player may be prohibited from competing due to serious Code of Conduct violations assessed before the match begins. This could involve fines, suspension, or disqualification for prior misconduct.
Personal Circumstances: Occasionally, players withdraw due to serious personal matters such as family emergencies, bereavement, or other extraordinary circumstances approved by tournament supervisors.
Common Reasons for Retirements
Retirements during matches are more frequent than walkovers and typically stem from:
Acute Injury During Play: A player may sustain a muscle strain, twist an ankle, suffer a blister, or experience other acute injuries that make continuing impossible. Leg injuries are particularly common, as are shoulder and back injuries for tennis players.
Heat and Fatigue: At major tournaments like the US Open and Australian Open, extreme heat can cause players to retire due to heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses.
Illness Onset During Match: A player may become ill during the match—experiencing dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms—forcing them to withdraw.
Cumulative Fatigue: After playing multiple matches in a short period, some players choose to retire from subsequent matches to prevent serious injury.
How Do Sportsbooks Handle Walkover Bets?
Universal Walkover Rule
The settlement of walkover bets is one of the few areas of tennis betting with near-universal agreement among sportsbooks. When a match is declared a walkover, virtually all bets on that match are voided and stakes are returned to bettors. This applies regardless of the bet type—moneyline, set betting, game totals, or prop bets.
The reasoning is simple: since no match took place, no meaningful betting outcome can be determined. A walkover is not a win for either player in betting terms; it is a cancellation of the event.
Important note: Some sportsbooks may have specific language in their terms stating that walkover bets are void "with all stakes refunded." Bettors should verify their specific sportsbook's policy, though refunds are the standard across the industry.
How Do Sportsbooks Handle Retirement Bets?
Retirement bet settlement is far more complex than walkover settlement because different sportsbooks apply different rules based on how much of the match has been completed. This is one of the most confusing aspects of tennis betting, and it's essential to understand your sportsbook's specific rules before placing bets.
The Four Main Retirement Rules
Sportsbooks typically apply one of four rules when a player retires:
Rule 1: First Ball Rule
Under the "first ball" rule, moneyline bets become action as soon as the first ball is served. If a player retires at any point after the first serve, moneyline bets stand and are settled according to the match outcome at the time of retirement.
Example: You bet on Player A at -150 moneyline. Player A wins the first set 6-4, then retires in the second set. Your bet on Player A wins because they were ahead when the retirement occurred.
Sportsbooks using this rule: Some smaller books and betting exchanges; less common among major U.S. sportsbooks.
Rule 2: First Set Rule
The "first set rule" requires that at least one complete set be finished before moneyline bets are considered action. If a player retires before the first set is completed, moneyline bets are void.
Example: You bet on Player B at +120 moneyline. The first set is tied 5-5, and Player B retires. Your moneyline bet is void and your stake is returned.
Example: You bet on Player B at +120 moneyline. Player B wins the first set 6-4, then retires in the second set. Your moneyline bet wins because a complete set was played.
Sportsbooks using this rule: FanDuel, many European sportsbooks, and betting exchanges like Betfair.
Rule 3: Two Sets Rule
The "two sets rule" requires that at least two complete sets be finished before moneyline bets are considered action. This rule is less common in modern sportsbooks but is still used by some operators.
Example: You bet on Player C at -110 moneyline. Player C wins the first set 6-3 and is up 4-2 in the second set when they retire. Your moneyline bet is void because two complete sets were not played.
Sportsbooks using this rule: Certain international books and some legacy sportsbooks.
Rule 4: Full Match Rule
The "full match rule" requires that the entire match be completed for moneyline bets to have action. If a player retires at any point, moneyline bets are void.
Example: You bet on Player D at -200 moneyline. Player D wins the first set 6-2 and is leading 5-1 in the second set when they retire. Your moneyline bet is void because the match was not completed.
Sportsbooks using this rule: DraftKings (for WTA events), some conservative sportsbooks.
Retirement Rules for Different Bet Types
The rules for moneyline bets are different from rules for other bet types:
| Bet Type | Settlement Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Depends on sportsbook (first ball, first set, two sets, or full match) | Most common: first set rule |
| Set Betting | Usually void if retirement occurs in that set | If Player A is 6-4, 3-1 up and retires, the set bet is void |
| Game Totals | Usually void if retirement occurs before the target is reached | If you bet over 22 games and retirement occurs at 18 games played, bet is void |
| Game Winner | Usually void for games not yet completed | Completed games may stand depending on sportsbook |
| Handicap/Spread | Usually void if retirement occurs | Varies by sportsbook; check specific rules |
Recent Changes to Sportsbook Rules
Major sportsbooks have adjusted their retirement rules in recent years:
DraftKings changed its rules in 2023 to implement a "first set rule" for ATP events and Grand Slams, but maintains a "full match rule" for WTA events. This change was made to align more closely with betting exchange standards.
FanDuel uses the "first set rule" for moneyline bets, meaning at least one complete set must be played for bets to have action.
PointsBet implements the "first set rule" for ATP events but may have different rules for other tennis competitions.
Bettors are strongly advised to review their specific sportsbook's current tennis retirement rules before placing bets, as these rules can change and vary between different sportsbooks.
Real-World Examples of Walkovers and Retirements
Notable Retirement Examples
Ashleigh Barty vs. Camila Giorgi (Australian Open 2023): Barty retired during her match against Giorgi due to a shoulder injury. Bettors who had backed Barty experienced different outcomes depending on their sportsbook's rules, as the retirement occurred after the first set was completed.
Benoit Paire vs. Pablo Carreno Busta (French Open 2019): Carreno Busta retired down 2-1 in sets due to injury. This is a classic example of a mid-match retirement where the retiring player was behind in the match.
Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner (Australian Open 2024): Djokovic retired during his match against Sinner due to injury. This high-profile retirement affected significant betting action on the tournament.
Why Walkovers Occur in Professional Tennis
While walkovers are less common than retirements, they do occur regularly. Players may withdraw before matches due to injuries sustained in training or previous matches, acute illness, or other factors. For example, it's not uncommon to see walkovers at major tournaments when players competing in multiple events (singles, doubles, mixed doubles) withdraw from one event due to injury sustained in another.
Impact on Betting Strategy
Pre-Match Research
Understanding the distinction between walkovers and retirements is crucial for developing a tennis betting strategy. Bettors should:
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Monitor injury reports before matches to assess retirement risk. If a player has a known injury, the likelihood of retirement increases.
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Know your sportsbook's rules before placing bets. Different sportsbooks have different retirement settlement rules, which can significantly impact your potential returns or losses.
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Consider bet type carefully. Moneyline bets are most affected by retirement rules. If you're concerned about retirement risk, consider set betting or game totals instead, though these have their own retirement rules.
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Check weather and playing conditions. Heat, humidity, and court conditions can increase retirement risk, especially at tournaments like the US Open and Australian Open.
Betting Implications
Walkover bets are straightforward: they are voided. If you're concerned about a walkover, you can't really hedge against it; your stake will simply be returned.
Retirement bets require more strategic thinking. If you're betting on a player with a known injury concern, understanding your sportsbook's retirement rule becomes critical. Under a "full match rule," your moneyline bet is at higher risk if the player retires. Under a "first set rule," your bet is safer if the player wins the first set.
Some advanced bettors use this knowledge to their advantage:
- Betting on set winners (which may have more favorable void conditions) rather than match winners
- Choosing sportsbooks with favorable retirement rules for their specific bets
- Adjusting bet sizing based on player injury risk
Common Misconceptions About Walkovers and Retirements
Misconception 1: "A Walkover Counts as a Win"
In professional tennis, a walkover does count as a tournament win for the advancing player—they advance to the next round. However, in sports betting, a walkover does not count as a win. All bets are voided and stakes are returned. This is a crucial distinction that confuses many new bettors.
Misconception 2: "Retirement Always Voids Bets"
While walkovers always void bets, retirements do not necessarily void all bets. Under the "first set rule," if a player retires after the first set is completed, moneyline bets typically stand and are settled according to the match outcome. This varies significantly by sportsbook.
Misconception 3: "Retiring Players Don't Get Paid"
Professional tennis players who retire from matches still receive prize money from the tournament. The amount varies depending on how far they advanced before retiring, but they are not penalized financially for retirement due to injury. This is different from disqualification, where prize money may be forfeited.
Misconception 4: "All Sportsbooks Use the Same Retirement Rules"
This is false. Different sportsbooks use different retirement settlement rules. Some use the "first set rule," others use the "full match rule," and some use variations. It's essential to check your specific sportsbook's rules before betting.
Misconception 5: "Walkover and Retirement Are the Same Thing"
As discussed extensively in this guide, walkovers and retirements are fundamentally different events that occur at different times and have different betting implications. A walkover occurs before the match starts; a retirement occurs during the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my bet if there's a walkover? All bets on a walkover match are voided and stakes are refunded. This is a universal rule across virtually all sportsbooks.
What happens to my moneyline bet if a player retires? It depends on your sportsbook's rules. Under the "first set rule" (most common), your bet stands if one complete set was played. Under the "full match rule," your bet is void if the match is not completed. Check your sportsbook's specific rules.
Is a walkover the same as a retirement? No. A walkover occurs before the match begins; a retirement occurs during the match. Walkovers always void bets. Retirements have variable settlement rules depending on the sportsbook.
Can a player get a walkover in the first round? Yes, walkovers can occur in any round of a tournament, including the first round. However, they are more common in later rounds when players have accumulated injuries or fatigue.
Do retiring players lose prize money? No, players who retire due to injury typically receive prize money based on the round they reached before retiring. However, the specific amount varies by tournament.
What's the difference between a retirement and a default? A retirement is a voluntary withdrawal due to injury or illness. A default occurs when a player fails to appear for a match or is disqualified due to Code of Conduct violations. Both result in the opponent advancing, but they are classified differently.
Which sportsbooks use the first set rule? FanDuel, Betfair, and many European sportsbooks use the "first set rule." However, rules change periodically, so it's best to verify with your specific sportsbook.
Can a player retire in the first set? Yes, a player can retire at any point during a match, including during the first set. If they retire before the first set is completed, most sportsbooks void moneyline bets under the "first set rule."
What happens to prop bets if a player retires? Prop bets (like "Player A to win 2+ sets") are typically voided if the match is not completed, regardless of the moneyline rule. Check your sportsbook's specific prop bet rules.
How common are walkovers in professional tennis? Walkovers are relatively uncommon, occurring in perhaps 1-2% of professional matches. Retirements are more common, particularly at major tournaments and during hot weather events.