match point

American  

[mach point, mach point] / ˈmætʃ ˈpɔɪnt, ˈmætʃ ˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) the point that if won would enable the scorer or the scorer's side to win the match.

2. Duplicate Bridge. a scoring unit consisting of one point awarded to a partnership for each opposing partnership whose score they better on a hand and of one-half point for each opposing partnership whose score they equal.

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match point British  

noun

1. sport the final point needed to win a match

2. bridge the unit used for scoring in tournaments

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Etymology

Origin of match point

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

But four-time major champion Sabalenka gained an important break in the opening game of the decider and she clinched victory on her first match point when Gauff went wide with a backhand.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The Spaniard saved both and then closed out victory in the tie-break, ripping a forehand down the line on match point.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 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

Breaking for a 4-2 lead, Alcaraz sought to finish in style and landed a spectacular overhead backhand drop shot to reach a third match point on Fritz's serve.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Citra watched, feeling almost detached, as if this were a tennis match and it was match point.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman