Wildcard Matches
A "Wildcard Match" is a type of search or query that allows for flexible and broad results. In computing and databases, wildcards are special characters that represent one or more unspecified characters. For example, using an asterisk (*) can match any sequence of characters, while a question mark (?) can represent a single character. This feature is commonly used in search engines and database queries to find information that may not be precisely known.
In the context of sports, a "Wildcard Match" refers to a competition where a participant is granted entry despite not qualifying through standard means. This often occurs in tournaments like tennis or football, where a player or team can be selected based on potential or popularity. Wildcard entries can create exciting matchups and provide opportunities for underdogs to compete against higher-ranked opponents.