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Phil Naessens

Phil Naessens - Contributor at Covers.com

Phil Naessens

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Betting Analyst Years of Experience Icon18+ years experience
Betting Analyst
Years of Experience Icon18+ years experience Covers Email Icon Twitter Icon

Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the tennis betting podcast, This Week in Tennis.

Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications including SB Nation, FanSided and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports. Phil curates the Chip and Charge Tennis Newsletter and pens a weekly tennis column called “10 Things About the ATP Tour," for Passing Shot Productions. 

His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.

Favorites
Team: New York Rangers
Sport to bet on: NFL
Sports movie: Remember the Titans
Sports snack: Ice cream
Covers feature: Scores & Matchups
I hit a 23-1 long shot betting on a horse while waiting to pick up my grandmother from bingo at the Showboat in Vegas. What makes it memorable is I wanted to bet just 10, but mistakenly handed the ticket writer $100. Pride made me roll with it and needless to say, I paid for supper that night. Horse name: No Commitment, first race, Santa Anita, October 18, 1992.
Best Betting Memory Icon Best Betting Memory
2013 Wimbledon First Round. I was the resident pro at the Corfu Holiday Palace in Corfu, Greece, it was raining, so I stopped in the bar for a beverage. The bartender starts asking me about tennis matches, and little did I know he was filling out a parlay ticket. We hit 16 out of 17 and our only loss was when Rafael Nadal was upset in the first round by Steve Darcis. UGH
Best Betting Memory Icon Worst Beat

Alcaraz vs Sinner Predictions, Picks & Odds for the French Open Final

Jun 7, 2025 • 1:09 PM ET

Jannik Sinner is in the form of his life right now, and our Alcaraz vs. Sinner predictions expect that to be the difference on Sunday.

Sinner vs Djokovic Predictions, Picks & Odds for the French Open Semifinal

Jun 5, 2025 • 1:05 PM ET

The second French Open semifinal pits Jannik Sinner against one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Novak Djokovic. As Phil Naessens explains, Djokovic's experience will help his cause on Friday.

Alcaraz vs Musetti Predictions, Picks & Odds for the French Open Semifinal

Jun 5, 2025 • 9:59 AM ET

Carlos Alcaraz takes on Lorenzo Musetti in the first of two French Open semifinals on Friday. As Phil Naessens explains, Alcaraz should prove too much for the upstart Italian.

Sky vs Wings Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 31, 2025 • 10:43 AM ET

Ariel Atkins connected for a pair of triples Thursday against the Dallas Wings, and we love that we're getting plus money on her to have a repeat performance against Dallas tonight.

Lynx vs Mercury Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 30, 2025 • 10:53 AM ET

The Minnesota Lynx face their toughest challenge yet with the 4-1 Phoenix Mercury on deck and ready to hand them their first loss of the season.

Fever vs Mystics Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 28, 2025 • 9:55 AM ET

Someone needs to step up for Indiana with Caitlin Clark sidelined, and Phil Naessens' Fever vs. Mystics predictions expect that someone to be veteran Sophie Cunningham.

Giants vs Tigers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game

May 26, 2025 • 7:42 AM ET

Naessens' prediction: Kerry Carpenter owns right-handed pitching and will likely be leading off against Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong, giving tremendous value on Over 1.5 total bases at plus money for the Tigers slugger.

Sun vs Dream Predictions, Picks & Odds for Today's WNBA Game

May 25, 2025 • 9:07 AM ET

Allisha Gray is doing her part in helping execute the Atlanta Dream gameplan of burying their opponent with a barrage of threes. Gray should make her fair share of shots vs. the shoddy Sun, per our WNBA betting picks.

WNBA Player Props & Best Bets Today for May 24: Bueckers, Mitchell Do Damage From Deep

May 24, 2025 • 8:49 AM ET

Our WNBA player props for May 24 expect huge nights from Paige Bueckers, Brionna Jones, and Kelsey Mitchell.

Liberty vs Fever Predictions, Picks & Odds for Today’s WNBA Game

May 24, 2025 • 8:23 AM ET

Our Liberty vs. Fever predictions expect a back-and-forth battle between Natasha Cloud and Caitlin Clark.

Valkyries vs Sparks Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 23, 2025 • 12:56 PM ET

Kayla Thornton is a 10-year vet who's seen it all. As the focal point of the Valkyries' offense, she's got the green light to let it fly from deep. As Phil Naessens explains, a number this big is too good to pass up on a solid perimeter shooter.

French Open 2025 Men's Odds, Favorites, Sleepers: If the Shoe Fritz...

May 22, 2025 • 2:05 PM ET

Carlos Alcaraz is the clear man to beat in the French Open, but 100-1 long shot Taylor Fritz should not be overlooked. Learn more in our preview of the 2025 French Open odds.

Mystics vs Valkyries Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 21, 2025 • 10:53 AM ET

The Mystics are off to an undefeated 2-0 start, and our WNBA picks expect their offense to do the heavy lifting against the Valkyries tonight.

WNBA Player Props & Best Bets Today for May 19: Williams, Diggins Raise Level in Second Game

May 19, 2025 • 10:10 AM ET

Gabby Williams shot just 1-for-9 in Seattle's season opener, but our WNBA prop picks expect a better showing from her tonight.

Mystics vs Sun Predictions, Picks & Odds for Today’s WNBA Game

May 18, 2025 • 8:46 AM ET

Marina Mabrey may not be happy to play for a rebuilding Connecticut Sun side, but as Phil Naessens explains, there will be plenty of opportunity for her to shine offensively.

Dream vs Mystics Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s WNBA Game

May 16, 2025 • 9:26 AM ET

The Atlanta Dream had a productive offseason, which should help Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard carry over their momentum from last year into their season opener with the depleted Washington Mystics, per our WNBA betting picks.

Twins vs Orioles Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game

May 15, 2025 • 8:24 AM ET

Tomoyuki Sugano is not an overpowering pitcher but has pinpoint command of a wide arsenal of pitches. He can wear an opponent down and should clear a modest strikeout total vs. the Twins.

Marlins vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game

May 13, 2025 • 8:30 AM ET

Valente Bellozo hasn't had a long leash and is facing a tough lineup with several dangerous left-handed bats. Expect a short start tonight in Chicago for the Marlins hurler.

Brewers vs Rays Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game

May 10, 2025 • 9:44 AM ET

Tobias Myers was a stud for Milwaukee last season, and he'll find his form this afternoon against Tampa.

Cardinals vs Nationals Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game

May 9, 2025 • 9:25 AM ET

Our MLB betting picks for Cardinals vs. Nationals are calling for a fast start for Erick Fedde & Co. tonight.

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