match point

noun

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: match point in a Sentence

Definition of match point

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

See match point defined for English-language learners

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 of match point from the Web

Djokovic saved three match points but could not bring the match to the fifth set.

— tom perrotta, WSJ, "After a Stunning French Open Defeat, Djokovic Says His Grass Season in Doubt," 5 June 2018
Trinkle had a match point in the 10th game, but Lemonds dropped in a shot just inside the baseline to keep the match going.

— lewis bagley, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel will face Brownsburg in girls tennis state semifinal," 1 June 2018
With Serena trying to stay in the match and force a tiebreaker at 5-6 in the second set, she was called for a foot fault on a second serve that gave Clijsters two match points at 15-40.

— chris chase, For The Win, "16 biggest meltdowns in tennis history," 18 May 2018
In the semifinals, St. Gregory's had multiple match points against the Lady Chargers, who finally prevailed 27-25.

— emmett hall, Sun-Sentinel.com, "St. Coleman Lady Chargers cap perfect season on the volleyball court," 5 May 2018
King Philip 4, Taunton 1 — Senior Francois Hennaux saved six match points at first singles, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 for the Warriors (13-2).

— matt doherty, BostonGlobe.com, "Mansfield baseball gets its payback," 15 May 2018
Tied at 26, the Chiefs won the final two points and celebrated after the Storm’s spike went out of bounds on match point.

— steve evans, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Cardinal Gibbons boys complete perfect season, win state volleyball championship," 6 May 2018
The fourth set was tight all the way and the resilient Buckeyes saved six match points before Tuaniga surprised the Buckeyes with a quick kill on the second touch to finally put away the defending champions.

— steve galluzzo, latimes.com, "Long Beach State, UCLA advance to volleyball championship," 3 May 2018
Venus Williams survives eight match points to beat Jennifer Capriati 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 in the 2001 final.

— michelle kaufman, miamiherald, "Key Biscayne gave us first All-Williams final — and ballgirl who won point against Agassi | Miami Herald," 19 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'match point.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of match point

1921

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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MATCH POINT Defined for English Language Learners

match point

noun

Definition of match point for English Language Learners

: a situation in tennis in which one player or team can win the match by winning the next point
: the final point that must be won to win a match in tennis