match point

[ mach point mach point ]

noun

1. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) the point that if won would enable the scorer or the scorer's side to win the match.
2. Duplicate Bridge. a scoring unit consisting of one point awarded to a partnership for each opposing partnership whose score they better on a hand and of one-half point for each opposing partnership whose score they equal.

match point

noun

1. sport the final point needed to win a match
2. bridge the unit used for scoring in tournaments

Word History and Origins

Origin of match point¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Djokovic was about to go quietly in the third set, as Medvedev served for match point, up 5-2.

From Time

Djokovic held to make it 5-4, and Medvedev again double-faulted on match point, to make it 40-30 on the next game.

From Time

But on match point Nadal nailed an up-the-line forehand that landed close to the line and was called in.

From The Daily Beast

That last possibility underscores what might be the match point for Oscar: experience.

From The Daily Beast

At deuce the great one double faults to reach match point for a third time.

From The Daily Beast

Go after every point as though you were down Match Point and had to win it.

From Project Gutenberg