The “Set 1 Game 5 – Winner” bet in tennis allows you to predict which player will win the 5th game of the first set— either Player A or Player B.
This is a micro-market bet, meaning it focuses on a specific moment within the match, not the full set or match result.
How It Works
Let’s break it down using an example:
- Match: Novak Djokovic Vs Carlos Alcaraz
- Bet Market: Set 1 – Game 5 Winner
You’re betting on who wins Game 5 of Set 1.
Before you bet, check who is serving in that game, because the server has a strong advantage.
Example Scenario
| Game | Server | Score Before Game | Your Bet | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Djokovic | 0–0 | — | Djokovic holds serve |
| 2 | Alcaraz | 1–0 | — | Alcaraz holds serve |
| 3 | Djokovic | 1–1 | — | Djokovic holds serve |
| 4 | Alcaraz | 2–1 | — | Alcaraz holds serve |
| 5 | Djokovic | 2–2 | You bet on Djokovic to win Game 5 | Djokovic wins the game and leads 3–2 |
Result: Your bet wins because Djokovic won Game 5.
What Influences Game 5 Betting
- Server Advantage:
- The player serving in Game 5 usually has around 65–80% chance of winning the game.
- Always check the server rotation before betting.
- First Set Momentum:
- A confident player who dominated earlier service games is likely to continue holding.
- Pressure Situations:
- If the set is tight (e.g., 2–2 or 3–3), players with better mental strength handle pressure better.
- Surface Type:
- Grass & Hard courts: Favors servers (more holds of serve).
- Clay: Easier for returners to break serve.
- Player Fatigue or Nerves:
- Early in the match, both players are fresh, so expect more service holds.
Example in Practice
Imagine you’re watching:
Coco Gauff vs. Aryna Sabalenka
- Current score: Set 1, 2–2.
- Sabalenka to serve in Game 5.
If Sabalenka has won her last two service games easily (no break points faced), betting on her to win Set 1 – Game 5 is logical.
However, if Gauff has been applying strong return pressure, there’s value in betting the underdog (Gauff) to break serve.
Betting Tips
- Check who serves Game 5 before betting.
- Most betting sites show the upcoming server live.
- Use in-play stats:
- Look at 1st serve %, break points faced, and return points won.
- Avoid emotional bets:
- Even if your favorite player is strong overall, if they are returning in Game 5, their odds are lower.
- Use Live Betting:
- Watch the first few games — if a player looks shaky on serve, betting on their opponent in Game 5 can be profitable.
- Combine with Other Micro Bets:
- You can pair Set 1 Game 5 winner with Set 1 Game 6 winner for combo value.
Quick Summary Table
| Betting Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| Market | Predict who wins Game 5 in Set 1 |
| Key Factor | Who serves the game |
| Best Strategy | Bet on strong server when serving |
| Risk Level | Medium (depends on surface and serve performance) |
| Ideal Use | Live/in-play betting for short-term profit |