What Does “2nd Set – Total Games” Mean?
In tennis betting, the “Total Games” market refers to how many games will be played in a particular set or the entire match.
When you see “2nd Set – Total Games”, it means you are betting only on the total number of games played in the second set, not the whole match.
How Games Work in a Set
Each tennis set is won by the first player to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead, e.g., 6–4).
If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is played, making the set score 7–6.
So, the possible number of games in a set usually ranges from 6 (6–0) to 13 (7–6).
Example 1: Men’s Match (Best of 3 Sets)
Let’s use Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz as an example.
Market:
2nd Set – Total Games Over/Under 9.5
Possible outcomes:
| Set Score | Total Games | Over/Under 9.5 Result |
|---|---|---|
| 6–3 | 9 | Under 9.5 |
| 6–4 | 10 | Over 9.5 |
| 7–5 | 12 | Over 9.5 |
| 7–6 | 13 | Over 9.5 |
| 6–2 | 8 | Under 9.5 |
So:
- If Djokovic wins 6–4 → Over 9.5 wins.
- If he wins 6–2 → Under 9.5 wins.
Example 2: Women’s Match
Let’s use Iga Świątek vs Coco Gauff.
Market:
2nd Set – Total Games Exactly 9
This is a “Correct Total Games” bet — you’re predicting the exact number of games played in the 2nd set.
| Possible Scorelines | Total Games | Bet Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 6–3 or 3–6 | 9 games | Win |
| 6–4 or 4–6 | 10 games | Lose |
So if Świątek wins the 2nd set 6–3, and you bet Total Games Exactly 9, you win.
Types of “2nd Set – Total Games” Bets
| Bet Type | What You Predict | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Over/Under | Whether the set will have more or fewer games than a number | Over 9.5, Under 10.5 |
| Exact Total Games | Predicting the precise number of games | Exactly 9 games |
| Range Betting | Predicting within a range | 9–11 games |
| Odd/Even | Whether total games will be an odd or even number | Odd = 7–6 (13 games), Even = 6–4 (10 games) |
Betting Strategy Example
Let’s say we’re betting on:
2nd Set – Total Games Over 9.5
Player context:
- Player A: strong server (like Isner or Berrettini)
- Player B: strong returner (like Medvedev or Djokovic)
These matchups often have tight sets where both players hold serve until late — meaning 6–4, 7–5, or 7–6 are common.
Over 9.5 becomes a good value bet.
But if one player is dominant (e.g., Świątek vs a lower-ranked opponent), she might win 6–1 or 6–2.
Under 9.5 is more likely.
Smart Betting Tips
- Study 1st Set Patterns:
If the first set was close (7–6, 6–4), expect similar competitiveness in Set 2. - Surface Matters:
- Grass & indoor hard courts → more aces, quick holds → Over bets often win.
- Clay courts → more breaks of serve → Under bets more common.
- Momentum & Fitness:
A player losing the 1st set badly may push harder in the 2nd, creating longer sets. - Check Head-to-Head Stats:
If their past matches often go 6–4 or 7–5, it’s a signal for Over 9.5. - Live Betting Advantage:
If both players are serving well early in Set 2 (2–2 or 3–3), Over 9.5 becomes safer.
Example Bet Slip
Match: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Market: 2nd Set – Total Games Over 9.5
Odds: 1.85
Stake: $50
Result: 7–5 (12 games) → Win
Payout: $92.50