What Does “Set 2 Game 5 – 1st Point” Mean?
In tennis, a match is divided into sets, and each set is made up of games, which are further divided into points.
When you see a bet like “Set 2 Game 5 – 1st Point”, it means you are betting on which player will win the very first point of the 5th game in the second set.
This is a micro or point-by-point betting market, often offered in live (in-play) tennis betting.
Example with Players
Let’s say we have the match:
Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
- The match is currently in Set 2.
- The score in the set is 2–2, meaning the next game (Game 5) will break the tie.
- You place a bet on “Set 2 Game 5 – 1st Point”.
Here are the options you might see:
| Market Option | Odds | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alcaraz to win 1st Point | 1.80 | You win if Alcaraz wins the first point of Game 5. |
| Djokovic to win 1st Point | 1.90 | You win if Djokovic wins the first point of Game 5. |
If Alcaraz serves and wins the first rally, your bet wins. If Djokovic wins the rally, you lose.
How Bookmakers Set Odds
Bookmakers consider several factors when pricing this market:
- Server advantage: The server usually has a 65–70% chance of winning a point.
- Player form: A confident or dominant server like Djokovic may have shorter odds.
- Surface type: On grass, servers have more advantage; on clay, rallies are longer and returns are stronger.
- Pressure moments: Later games in a set can cause errors or risks, affecting odds.
Example Breakdown
Let’s say in Set 2 Game 5, Alcaraz is serving:
- Alcaraz serves wide; Djokovic returns long → Alcaraz wins the 1st point.
- Your bet “Alcaraz to win 1st point in Set 2 Game 5” wins instantly.
- The game continues, but your market has already been settled.
Different Betting Options in This Market
| Bet Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Player to Win 1st Point | Predicts who wins the first point. | Djokovic to win 1st point of Game 5 |
| Point Outcome (Ace/Double Fault/Winner/Error) | Predicts how the point will end. | “1st Point to be an Ace” |
| Correct Point Score Sequence | Predicts the sequence of first few points in the game. | “Server wins 1st and 2nd point” |
Example Scenario
Match: Iga Świątek vs Aryna Sabalenka
- Current score: 1–1 in sets.
- In the second set, it’s 2–2 (Game 5 coming up).
- Świątek is serving.
If you bet Świątek to win 1st point in Set 2 Game 5, and she serves an ace, your bet wins.
If she double faults or Sabalenka wins the rally, your bet loses.
Betting Tips for “Set 2 Game 5 – 1st Point”
Check Who’s Serving
The server usually has a clear edge. If the player is serving well (high first-serve percentage), back them to win the first point.
Follow Momentum
If a player just broke serve or is on a streak, confidence can carry into the next game’s first point.
Watch the Court Surface
- Grass courts: Servers have strong advantage.
- Clay courts: Returners often get more points.
- Hard courts: Balanced between serve and return.
Use In-Play Stats
Many betting sites show live stats — such as first serve %, aces, and return points won — which can guide you in predicting first-point outcomes.
Avoid Emotional Betting
Micro-markets move fast. Stick to patterns and data — not personal bias toward a player.
Example Betting Strategy
If you notice Djokovic wins 80% of his first points while serving, but only 45% when returning, it’s smart to bet on him when he serves and avoid when he returns.
Risk Tip
This market is high variance — one mistake or double fault can lose your bet instantly. It’s best used for small stakes or quick profits during live play, not long-term value betting.