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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

match point

His last major title arrived at the 2016 US Open, when he escaped from match point down against Britain's Dan Evans in the third round and went on to beat Djokovic for the title.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

On a rowdy New York night, Benjamin Bonzi had match point for a straight-set win against Medvedev in the first round when a photographer inexplicably walked on to court between his first and second serves.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

It’s reasonable to believe that the moment he knocked home match point for major No. 25 the word “Retirement” would appear before him in gigantic flashing letters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026

Muchova made two ridiculous volleys - including a diving one - slipped on her first match point, and Gauff missed a match point when she went with the slice forehand at the net.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

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