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 Alcaraz held his nerve and after failing with two other match points sealed the match on his sixth to reach the Qatar final for the first time.

From Barron's

“To be honest I’m speechless after that fight,” said the two-time Dubai champion, who needed six match points to close out the win.

From Barron's

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

A break in the fifth game still proved enough for the four-time Grand Slam champion, although he needed five match points to close it out.

From Barron's

Jannik Sinner misses match points to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open and only needs to wait a few weeks to take his revenge at Wimbledon.

From The Wall Street Journal