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

Gauff's first love-hold of the match followed, before Swiatek handed her the win with a long forehand return on match point.

From BBC

The pair - affectionately nicknamed 'Fedal' - almost won their tie against American duo Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in London, missing a match point before Team World wrapped up the win.

From BBC

Zimmerman was named most valuable player after a roof on match point and joining her on the All-Tournament team were Boice and Sea Hawks junior libero Rowan DeVore.

From Los Angeles Times

During the second, the teams were neck-and-neck off the start but the British team controlled the race to move to match point, with the next matches scheduled for Friday.

From BBC

The Trailblazers fought off a match point before pulling out the fourth set to level it at two sets apiece and reeled off three points in a row after the fifth set was deadlocked 12-12.

From Los Angeles Times