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

Huarte had four service breaks — the last being a cross-court passing shot on match point.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

The American moved to match point when Burruchaga drilled a backhand wide down the line, and then clinched victory when the South American yanked a wild forehand long on the next point.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

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

A further break meant Cerundolo had the chance to serve for the set at 5-4 up, but Draper resisted and took the next three games to clinch victory on his first match point.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman