match point

noun

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

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

Federer shanked a potential backhand pass, and Anderson had saved the match point. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Four Thoughts From Four Quarterfinals: Rafa-Djokovic to Meet, Federer Upset," 11 July 2018 When Plíšková served at 4-5, Williams had two match points at 15-40. — Tom Perrotta, WSJ, "Serena Williams Stumbles in Stunning Loss at the Australian Open," 23 Jan. 2019 Then a junior, Schuermann had defeated Pathi, 6-1, in the second set, held a 5-3 advantage in the third and earned two match points, but eventually lost, 7-5, in the deciding set. — Nate Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, "At Dover-Sherborn, a tennis perfectionist leads the way," 8 June 2018 Kerber controlled the match, booking her spot in the final when Ostapenko flailed a forehand wide on the second match point in the match. — Sandra Harwitt, USA TODAY, "Angelique Kerber earns spot in Wimbledon final after cruising past Jelena Ostapenko," 12 July 2018 In the third set, both teams attempted match point four separate times before Flint and Day came out on top. — Shane Lantz, The Seattle Times, "New teammates win first title together in AVP Beach Volleyball Seattle Open," 24 June 2018 The two returned today, and the Argentine needed a tiebreaker (and five match points) but eventually closed out the match 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-6 (5). — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Five Thoughts From Four Women's Quarterfinals at Wimbledon," 10 July 2018 Previous Australian Open winners have saved match points en route to the final, but no woman has done it in two matches. — John Pye, Houston Chronicle, "Simona Halep faces Caroline Wozniacki in Australian Open women's final," 25 Jan. 2018 Zverev held a match point against Nadal in Indian Wells in 2016, stretched him to five sets at the Australian Open a year later and took a set off the King of Clay Sunday. — Ravi Ubha, CNN, "Rafael Nadal: Who can stop the 'King of Clay' at the French Open?," 21 May 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.