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

Match point was Sock hitting one of his wristy forehands up the middle between Mike and Bob so hard that it likely left a dent in the back wall.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2015

Match point arrived but he watched a Federer forehand whistle past him.

From Reuters • Nov. 16, 2014

Match point for Murray arrived with a carefree forehand winner that drew his loudest yelp of the night.

From The Guardian • Jul. 4, 2012

Match point number four .... and Li saves it with some pummelling backhands.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2010

Match point arrived so quickly, it seemed to take Kvitova by surprise.

From Washington Post