Definition

Noun: 1. The final point needed to win a match: In sports, especially tennis, squash, or badminton, it is the specific point that, if won by the leading player or team, will result in them winning the entire match. 2. A decisive or critical moment: By extension, it can describe any crucial moment that will determine the final outcome of a contest or situation.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in the context of racket sports but can be understood in other competitive scenarios.
• It is a countable noun.
• It often creates high tension, as winning or losing this point decides the match.

Examples

• In Sports:
  • The crowd fell silent as the player prepared to serve for match point.
  • She saved three consecutive match points before finally winning the game.
• In Extended Use:
  • The final negotiation was the match point for the merger deal.
  • This vote is the match point for the proposed legislation.

Advanced Usage

• "To be at match point": To be in the position of needing one more point to win the match.
  • After a long rally, she found herself at match point.
• "To save/match point": To win a point when the opponent is at match point, thereby preventing them from winning the match.
  • The defending champion saved a match point with an incredible backhand.
• "To convert/match point": To successfully win the point when one has match point.
  • He converted his first match point with a powerful ace.

Variants and Related Words

• Set point (n): The point which, if won, wins a set (but not the entire match).
  • He missed an easy volley on set point.
• Championship point (n): A match point that would win a championship title.
  • The stadium erupted when she won on championship point.
• Game point (n): The point which, if won, wins a single game within a set.
  • She double-faulted on her first game point.

Synonyms

• Deciding point: A point that decides the outcome.
• Clincher: (Informal) Something that conclusively settles an issue or contest.

Related Phrases

• On the brink of victory: Very close to winning.
• The final hurdle: The last obstacle before success.

Idioms

While not a traditional idiom, the phrase "It's match point" is used metaphorically to indicate a critical, do-or-die moment in any context. - With only one day before the deadline, it's match point for our project.

Noun

1. (tennis) the final point needed to win a match (especially in tennis)