double fault

noun

: two consecutive serving faults in tennis that result in the loss of a point

double-fault

ˌdə-bəl-ˈfȯlt 

intransitive verb

Examples of double fault in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sabalenka double-faulted on match point, her seventh double fault of the day, to put an exclamation point on an irritating evening. — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Williams hit a 121-mph ace to hold 3-3 in the first set but later had a double fault that led to the only break of the set. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

When play resumed, Swiatek broke, but yet another double fault coupled with more unforced errors brought her opponent back at 1-1. — ABC News, 31 May 2026

The Italian grabbed the first set in the tiebreak when Alcaraz struck a costly double fault set point down. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for double fault

• somersault
• thunderbolt
• alt
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault
• vault
• walt
• asphalt
• assault
• basalt