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

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

On show too were the lapses in concentration, none more egregious than a double fault in the second set that sent the match to a decider.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 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

Losing serve in the first game - down to sloppy groundstrokes and a double fault on break point - set the tone.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell