Difficult to learn, but fun once you know how to play
This game is not like most other tennis games out there. Specifically, when compared to a game like Virtua Tennis 3, the learning curve is much harder. The first week was spent mistiming the swings and either missing completely or performing really weak returns that made me wonder how I could make Federer look so clumsy. Where virtua tennis allows for fun pickup games with people that might not have played the game before, it's painful to play against or watch someone that hasn't learned how to play top spin.

However, after a few weeks of playing the game, I'm consistently able to perform strong serves and groundstrokes. The game has a more realistic feel to it: The characters move at a slower and natural pace, when compared to virtua tennis. Off-balance shots you take when running to the ball, have a chance of hitting the net, even if you time things well.

The online play isn't stellar, but at least it exists. The main problem I have with online play is that against the majority of people I play, their connections are laggy. The lag only manifests when you are about to swing at the ball, which sometimes causes me to mistime the release (your player and the ball basically stutter, as the game tries to synchronize the information on your swing to the other player). Another problem with online play is that there is no way to specify that you want to play against someone on your PS3 friends list, so you always get paired against a random player.

Overall, once you learn how to use the controls for the game, I give this game 5 stars for non-online play, but 3 stars for online play.

best tennis game yet
I would consider this game to have a steep learning curve, as it definitely takes some time to master the controls. Other than that, the game has many customizability options, a lot of tennis courts and players, and decent graphics.

Trash!!!!
I like the sport of tennis, but this game is bad. I had Virtua Tennis and it was fun. I think these companies are in so much competition that they decide to hurt the consumer by making the games too realistic. I played this game for a a little bit and I'm very dissatisfied. I paid $60 for this game and should have kept my Virtua Tennis, at least that was fun and not too in depth. I think if your a serious avid tennis player then this is for you, but if your like me who just wants some fun and to smack the ball then don't buy TS3 get Virtua Tennis and where are the Williams sisters????

Ps. The players move so slow that you will lose if you play the computer and if you make a mistake then you don't get much of a chance to rectify the situation.

Good but
The controls are a bit tricky, while great away from the net, its near impossible to play when your at the net. I give it A for effort on being innovative with the controls, they just need to work on it some more.

Best tennis game to date
This game is as good as it gets not only among tennis sims but for sports games in general. If you don't enjoy a challenge and don't want to have to work to excel at a game then this one definitely isn't for you, but it's very rewarding. At first the controls and timing are pretty frustrating and until you get it down you may not like it, but if you put in the effort to learn how to play it well you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a game you can just throw in and dominate then buy the Virtua Tennis series.

This game is very realistic and if you enjoy tennis it has exceptional replay value. The levels of difficulty are quite distinct and it takes a lot of time and effort to excel at the highest level. It's primary weaknesses are that it's missing some of the big names in tennis and that the career mode doesn't have training or practice options like some of the other tennis sims but it does start you out at the junior level which is unique. Overall this game is a great success and is definitely THE tennis game to buy for the PS3.