What “1st Set – Total Games” Means
In tennis betting, the market “1st Set – Total Games” refers to the total number of games played in the first set of a match — regardless of who wins.
You’re simply predicting how long or short the first set will be, based on both players’ performances.
How It Works (With Players)
Let’s say a tennis match is between:
- Player A: Novak Djokovic
- Player B: Carlos Alcaraz
A tennis set is won when a player reaches 6 games and leads by 2 games (e.g., 6–4).
If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is played (making the total 13 games in that set).
Example 1: Bet on Over 9.5 Games in 1st Set
You’re betting that the first set will have 10 or more total games combined.
Possible winning scores:
- Djokovic wins 6–4 → 10 games total (Win)
- Alcaraz wins 7–6 → 13 games total (Win)
- Djokovic wins 6–3 → 9 games total (Lose)
If the players are strong servers (e.g., Djokovic & Alcaraz on a hard court), it’s common for sets to go 6–4, 7–5, or 7–6 — meaning Over 9.5 Games is a good choice.
Example 2: Bet on Under 9.5 Games in 1st Set
You’re predicting a shorter first set (dominant performance).
Possible winning scores:
- Djokovic wins 6–3 → 9 games total (Win)
- Djokovic wins 6–2 → 8 games total (Win)
- Alcaraz wins 6–4 → 10 games total (Lose)
This kind of bet suits matches where one player dominates early, like Djokovic vs. a lower-ranked opponent.
Common Betting Lines
Bookmakers usually offer:
- Over/Under 8.5 games
- Over/Under 9.5 games
- Over/Under 10.5 games
Sometimes, there’s a “Exact Total Games” option too (e.g., exactly 9 games in the 1st set).
Betting Tips & Strategies
Study the Players’ Serve & Return Stats
- Players with big serves (e.g., Isner, Opelka, Kyrgios) often have longer sets → bet Over.
- Players who break serve easily (e.g., Djokovic, Medvedev) can cause shorter sets → bet Under against weaker servers.
Surface Matters
- Grass courts = more aces, fewer breaks → Over 9.5 games is more likely.
- Clay courts = longer rallies, more breaks → Under 9.5 games might hit.
Check Recent Form
If both players have been winning sets 6–4, 7–5, or 7–6, it’s a good signal for Over bets.
If one player consistently wins 6–2 or 6–1, look for Under bets.
Use Live Betting
After watching a few games:
- If both players are holding serve easily, bet Over live.
- If one is struggling on serve, bet Under before the odds shift.
Don’t Forget Momentum
Top players sometimes start slow, leading to close first sets (good for Over).
But when facing weaker opponents, they may dominate early (good for Under).
Example Summary Table
| Match | Your Bet | 1st Set Score | Total Games | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Djokovic vs Alcaraz | Over 9.5 | 7–6 | 13 | Win |
| Djokovic vs Alcaraz | Under 9.5 | 6–3 | 9 | Win |
| Nadal vs Ruud | Over 10.5 | 7–5 | 12 | Win |
| Nadal vs Ruud | Under 10.5 | 7–6 | 13 | Lose |
Quick Tip Summary
Over 9.5 → Pick when both players are strong servers
Under 9.5 → Pick when one player dominates early
Consider surface and form
Live bet if set starts tight
Avoid guessing exact totals unless value odds