double fault

American  

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.

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double fault British  

noun

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

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verb

1. (intr) to serve a double fault

Etymology

Origin of double fault

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

double fault

Serena produced two service winners to force the tie-break back on serve, but Kostyuk and Stearns held firm before securing victory on a double fault from Venus.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

He gave back a break in the fourth game with a double fault on break point, and Jodar climbed out of a 0-30 hole to hold serve and narrow the gap to 3-2.

From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026

While untimely, the tie-break did not, in fact, come down to Gauff's double fault.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

But a double fault in the eighth game by the Filipina gifted Paolini a break point, which Eala conceded with an overhit forehand to fall 5-3 behind.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

He instinctively picks up the “giss” of a double fault.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell