Virtua Tennis 4 is an action-packed tennis game that focuses on fast-paced matches rather than realistic simulations. The game's career mode allows players to create their own avatar and aims to reach the top within four seasons. In this mode, players have various options to improve their tennis player, such as training sessions to boost statistics, buying new clothes with prize money, or playing matches.
The game offers several other playing modes, including single matches, party mode, and arcade mode. In these modes, players can choose from 19 licensed athletes, including retired players in the PlayStation 3 version. Players can select their moves, such as spins, to return the ball, and fill a special bar to unleash powerful hits.