What “1st Set – Race to 2 Games” Means
This betting market asks which player will be the first to win 2 games in the first set of a tennis match.
It’s not about who wins the entire set or the match — just who reaches 2 games won first in that specific set.
Example of How It Works
Let’s say you’re betting on a Men’s ATP match:
Players:
- Novak Djokovic Vs Carlos Alcaraz
Market: 1st Set – Race to 2 Games
Bet options:
- Djokovic to win the race to 2 games
- Alcaraz to win the race to 2 games
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1:
- Game 1: Djokovic holds serve → 1–0 Djokovic
- Game 2: Alcaraz holds serve → 1–1
- Game 3: Djokovic holds serve → 2–1 Djokovic
Djokovic wins the race to 2 games.
If you bet Djokovic – Race to 2 Games, you win.
Scenario 2:
- Game 1: Alcaraz breaks Djokovic → 1–0 Alcaraz
- Game 2: Alcaraz holds serve → 2–0 Alcaraz
Alcaraz wins the race to 2 games.
If you bet Alcaraz – Race to 2 Games, you win.
Scenario 3:
- If both players reach 1–1, then whoever wins the next game (2–1) wins this bet.
It’s that simple — it’s about who reaches 2 games first, not how the rest of the set plays out.
Live Betting Angle
This market is often available live, especially after the first game of the set.
For example, if a strong server like John Isner loses the first game, his odds to reach 2 games first will increase sharply, which can provide value betting opportunities if you believe he’ll quickly hold his next serve and possibly break back.
Player-Based Example
Example: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev
- Both are strong servers, but Zverev starts serving first.
- You bet Zverev to win Race to 2 Games, because:
- He serves first (gives him a natural advantage to reach 2 games first).
- If both players hold serve, Zverev will lead 2–1 — winning the bet.
Zverev holds serve twice, leads 2–1 → Bet wins.
If Medvedev breaks early and leads 2–0, your bet loses.
Betting Tips
1. Check Who Serves First
The player serving first in the set has a strong edge in this market.
If both players are likely to hold serve, the server will reach 2 games first.
Tip: Before placing this bet, check the match start order or live score to confirm who’s serving first.
2. Consider Player Serve Strength
- Big servers (e.g., Isner, Hurkacz, Berrettini) often hold serve easily.
- If they serve first, betting on them to win Race to 2 Games is smart.
- If they return first, the opponent may reach 2 games before them.
3. Use Live Momentum
If a player looks sharp early (strong returns, aggressive play), they might break serve early and quickly win 2 games.
Watch the first few points live before betting in-play.
4. Court Surface Matters
- Grass & indoor hard courts → serve-dominant, fewer breaks. The server has an advantage.
- Clay courts → more breaks of serve, less predictable. Be cautious here.
5. Don’t Confuse It With ‘To Win 2 Games in Set’
- Race to 2 games = who gets to 2 first.
- To win 2 games in set = simply if a player wins 2 games at any time, regardless of when.
Quick Example Summary Table
| Match | Server First | Bet Option | Games Played | Result | Winner |
|——–|—————|————-|—————|———-|
| Djokovic vs Alcaraz | Djokovic | Djokovic – Race to 2 | 2–1 | Djokovic |
| Medvedev vs Zverev | Zverev | Zverev – Race to 2 | 2–1 | Zverev |
| Nadal vs Sinner | Sinner | Nadal – Race to 2 | 0–2 | Sinner |
Smart Betting Tip:
If you see odds around 1.70–1.80 for the player serving first in Race to 2 Games, that’s often solid value — especially if they have a strong serve and high early-set focus.