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

The guttural roar which greeted her winning crosscourt forehand on match point indicated Raducanu's satisfaction, as did the beaming smile across her face as she handed out high fives to the whole British team afterwards.

From BBC

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

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

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

More resistance came as Evans fought off five match points - and created three break points - before a relieved Etcheverry eventually served out victory.

From BBC