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

However, in the tie-break, Sinner upped his first serves and after squandering the first of two set points, an Alcaraz double fault gave him the initiative in the match.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

She reset to break Pegula's hitherto dominant serve, but was broken back straight away with her fourth double fault of the contest.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 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

Nevertheless, Raducanu regained her composure to hold serve and, thanks to a double fault from Cristian, took a 5-3 lead.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell