Definition

Noun: 1. (Tennis) A service fault followed by another service fault on the second attempt, resulting in the loss of the point for the server. This term is specific to tennis and related racket sports. It describes a failed serve where the ball does not land in the correct service box on both the first and second serve attempts.

Usage

The term is used almost exclusively in the context of tennis scoring and officiating. - It is a countable noun (e.g., a double fault, three double faults). - It typically functions as the subject or object in a sentence describing a point lost.

Examples

• The match was decided when the player committed a double fault on match point.
• She lost her serve due to three consecutive double faults.
• To avoid a double fault, players often use a safer second serve.

Advanced Usage

• "To double-fault" (verb, less common): To commit a double fault.
  • He double-faulted at a crucial moment in the final set.

Variants and Related Words

• Fault (noun): An invalid serve in tennis, where the ball does not land in the correct service box. A double fault consists of two faults.
• Ace (noun): The opposite result of a fault; a serve that is not touched by the receiver, winning the point directly.

Synonyms

• Service error (general): A broader term for any failed serve, which includes faults and double faults.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To serve a double fault": This is the standard phrasing for committing one.
  • Under pressure, she served a costly double fault.

Noun

1. (tennis) two successive faults in serving resulting in the loss of the point