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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

match point

He converted his third match point when Fritz failed to retrieve another delicate drop shot over the net.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

It’s reasonable to believe that the moment he knocked home match point for major No. 25 the word “Retirement” would appear before him in gigantic flashing letters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026

From Muchova's diving volley to Gauff's squandered match point, it had it all.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

With Centre Court still reeling from Gauff's scarcely believable miss, the tables turned quickly and Muchova brought up her first match point with a perfectly placed lob that left Gauff stranded at the net.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

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