Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

Take a break from the courts and play tennis on your computer. These are just a few of the hottest tennis games on the market today. All links are for Amazon.com, but can also be found in local stores. If you know of a game that's not on the list, drop us an email and tell us about it so we can check it out.

Virtua Tennis – PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360
Even if you're not fond of sports titles in general, the simple pick-up-and-play feel and speedy on-court action in Virtua Tennis make it a worthy addition to any game library. Sega did an excellent job making sure even those unfamiliar with the rules and strategy of tennis will be able to jump right into the game. With a little practice you can pop lobs, perform an overhead smash, or even return the ball with a through-the-legs trick shot.

Mario Tennis - Game Boy or Nintendo
Mario Tennis's exhibition mode puts you in the Tennis Academy, where you slowly build up your character's skills (doubles or singles). As you rise in the ranks by challenging other characters and upgrading your equipment, you'll play eventually against Mario himself. You can play as one of many Nintendo mascots, including Donkey Kong, Luigi, and Princess Peach. There also are a few minigames that will sharpen your skills and can unlock other levels.

Smash Court Tennis – Sony PSP
Players compete as or against 16 of their favorite Pro-Tennis stars including #1 ranked Roger Federer and 2006 French Open champions Rafael Nadal and Justine Henin. Customze your players and build them up as they compete against the world's best -- and see if you can make them #1. There’s also addicting, imaginative minigames for when you need a hiatus from the pressures of the tennis circuit

Hot Shots Tennis – PlayStation 2
Fast-paced gameplay with brilliant graphics, detailed animations, and realistic physics. Featuring the signature Hot Shots attitude & the ability to host matches of up to four players, tennis fans and casual gamers can both enjoy tennis action with a host of wacky characters, exotic court locations, and fun-filled game modes. Practice a variety of strokes, enter challenge modes, and play singles or engage in doubles matches with up to four players.

Have fun on the courts!