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.
Bonzi was serving for a straight-sets win, and the photographer made his move between his first and second serve on match point. — James Hansen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Andreeva and Rublev had to save a match point against Errani and Vavassori. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Swiatek then jumped out to a 40-0 lead before converting her second match point. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 After easily winning Mixed-1, Newman & Jackie had match point on their paddles but couldn’t finish, and amazingly SoCal’s youngsters Campbell and Mackinnon saved six match points to came back to shock Brooklyn 12-10 and force the DreamBreaker. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for match point

See All Rhymes for match point

Browse Nearby Words

match play
match point
match race
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Match point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/match%20point. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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