Top Spin 4

The gameplay focuses on strategy, as shots divide into controlled and power shots, performed respectively by tapping or charging related button. Ball speed and trajectory depend on shot type, player characteristics, player position, characteristics of the shot that is to be returned, remaining stamina, and timing. Timing expresses the player's ability in pressing shot button at the right time, and ranges from Too Late to Perfect.

Players can choose from various shot types, including flat, slice, top spin, lob, and drop shots; volley shots can be normal, controlled, power, and drop volleys; serves can be flat, slice, and topspin. The game also features standard baseline and volley shots, as well as focus on precision (standard serve) or power (advanced serve).

The game offers offline modes such as Exhibition, Career, King of the Court, and Top Spin Academy. Offline game modes include a tutorial mode called Top Spin Academy, where the fundamentals of the game are explained by a coach and then put into practice by the player.

Exhibition allows players to play customisable singles or doubles games, choosing location, duration in game, sets, and score rules, against the computer or other human opponents, up to 4 human players in doubles game. Career mode starts with creating one's player, which can be a male or a female, and gains experience points to rise in level and attributes.

King of the Court is a party tennis match featuring few-points long matches: the loser leaves the court, another player takes their place: who wins the final match is the winner. Online game modes include Player Match, World Tour, and 2K Open.

Player Match consists in a single game, just as offline Exhibition. World Tour is a competition that imitates real ATP pro circuit for which created players only can be used. Parameters determining player performance are Forehand, Backhand, Serve, Volley, Power, Stamina, Speed, Reflexes, and special skills such as Diesel Serve.