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.

---

match point British  

noun

1. sport the final point needed to win a match

2. bridge the unit used for scoring in tournaments

---

Etymology

Origin of match point

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

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

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

A double fault at deuce when 5-3 down gave King a third match point - and Riggs sent a volley into the net to confirm her victory.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

But Bergs was first to blink, hitting wide to present Cobolli with his seventh match point, which he seized by hammering over a first serve to ignite the celebrations.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman