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

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

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

Rybakina never looked convincing despite clawing her way back from a double break down to force a tie-break, and a double fault on the opening point was a sign of things to come.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1.

From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026

"Without my aces I probably would not have won today," said Zverev, who sent down 24 aces and made only one double fault, on a match point.

From Barron's ● Jan. 27, 2026

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell