match point

noun

: a situation (as in tennis) in which one player or side will win the match by winning the next point
also : the point itself

Examples of match point in a Sentence

He won with an ace on his second match point. He won with an ace on match point.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of those serves gave him match point as Alcaraz, surging once more, couldn’t get it back. Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 In the third set, Bencic fought back from 0-40 down to break for a 5-4 lead before closing out the victory on her first match point. Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 However, Jansen went on a spirited run to push the match to 10-7 before giving up match point. Todd Boss, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 In the final match of pool play Friday, the Falcons (5-2) had match point in the second set against San Clemente, but lost 19-25, 27-25, 18-16. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for match point

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of match point was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Match point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/match%20point. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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