The fourth tennis game released for the PlayStation 2, Hard Hitter Tennis offers a choice of 14 fictional male and female athletes playable in one of four game modes: World Tour, Exhibition, Training, and Mini Game. The heart of the game is the World Tour, where players attempt to guide their alter ego through one year of competition in over 60 tournaments, building experience and cash earnings along the way. Each character is individually rated in serve, forehand, backhand, volley, smash, and footwork. Competing in matches and winning games earn players points needed to improve these areas.