double fault

noun

1. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) two faults in succession, resulting in the loss of the point, the loss of the serve, or both.

double fault

noun

1. the serving of two faults in succession, thereby losing a point

verb

1. intr to serve a double fault

Word History and Origins

Origin of double fault¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Raducanu lost one serve after squandering a match point at 5-2 with a double fault, could not take three more opportunities in the ninth game, but finally sealed victory at the sixth time of asking.

From BBC

But his experience and nous told in the tie-break, playing with a touch more aggression to bring up four set points and pressure Vasa into a double fault on the third.

From BBC

Always a powerful player, Sabalenka struggled for years with her serve, ultimately deciding to work with a biomechanics expert to cut down the number of double faults.

From BBC

The American said she would need to maintain her focus after "collapsing" mentally in their previous meeting - but frailties on serve, including four back-to-back double faults in the third set, helped Navarro secure victory again.

From BBC

Djokovic was far from his clinical best, serving a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match and committing 49 unforced errors.

From BBC