double fault
Two serves missed
A double fault in tennis occurs when a server fails on both attempts to put the ball in play, giving the point to the opponent.
The first fault carries no penalty—you get another chance.
Two consecutive faults cost you the point.
She double-faulted at match point.
The term extends to any two-strike failure.
Attend to needs
- second serveTennis retry after fault
- service gameSet when you serve
- unforced errorMistake made without pressure
- break pointMoment before potential shift
deuce · advantage · tiebreak · game point · match point · let · baseline · net
Foolish, costly mistake
Tense apprehension
- tensionStretched or strained state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- chokeObstruct breathing or airflow
high-stakes · match point · momentum shift · mental lapse · yips · composure · concentration · clutch
Sadness from unmet expectations
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- self-criticismJudging one's own failings
head shake · disbelief · annoyance · dejection · groaning · facepalm · slump
serve
Attend to needs
- second serveTennis retry after fault
- service gameSet when you serve
- unforced errorMistake made without pressure
break point · deuce · advantage · tiebreak · game point · match point · let · baseline · net · ace
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
nerves
Tense apprehension
- tensionStretched or strained state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
choke · high-stakes · match point · momentum shift · mental lapse · yips · composure · concentration · clutch · tightness
disappointment
Sadness from unmet expectations
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
self-criticism · head shake · disbelief · annoyance · dejection · groaning · facepalm · slump
- tennisace, serve, forehand, backhand, volley
- racket sportsserve, volley, forehand, backhand, singles
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
- game callsfoul, offsides, offside, traveling, travel
- servesace, let, first serve, second serve, flat serve
- sports mistakesown goal, fumble, bad pass, dropped pass, wild throw