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

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

Bejlek, ranked 40 places below world number 61 Kartal, converted her first match point to complete victory at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 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

Sweeny clinched on his first match point before collapsing to the court.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman