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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

double fault

She wasted three early in the second set before conceding a break in the sixth game with a double fault at 30-40 as Noskova forced a decider.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 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

After exchanging points, Gauff - the player with the most double faults on the WTA Tour this season - suffered a lapse of concentration and landed just her second double fault of the match.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

A series of unforced errors and a double fault saw Gauff drop serve early on in a one-sided first set, and she shanked a forehand wide when handed the chance to break back.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

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