I don't agree with the other reviewers here, at all. I think this is a GREAT game...First, of course serves can be hard to return. I think that part is very realistic - imagine trying to return a Roddick or Federer serve in real life... talk about impossible. Part of the game is having to anticipate where the person will serve the ball. It could come down the middle, on the outside, or right at you... and even more, it can come very quickly, just like in real life.Second, like anything else, it takes practice. I sucked at first and started to regret my purchase. However, after I got the hang of it and entered into career mode, I started improving. At first, I couldn't win a game in exhibition mode playing as Roger Federer with the difficulty level set to easy. Last night I broke a service game playing against Roger Federer with the difficulty level set to hard.Third, the trick to this game, like anything else in life, is practice. Tennis is a hard game, it involves strategy and skill. You have to know when to come to the net, when to play at the baseline, how/when to mix up your shots (a drop shot over the net when your opponent is back along the baseline), etc., etc.Fourth, the career mode is great. I've raised my rank to 57 and I've completed three of the four level 2 training exercises (those damn inflatable things are driving me nuts). As I mentioned, this is where you learn how to play though.Finally, I would hate it if the company (2K Sports / Indie Built / PAM / Whoever ) made the next release easier. I want the next version to be MORE difficult. People who have reviewed this game before really learning how to play have done a disservice. Sure, the graphics could be a touch better (they can seem choppy at times), however, that doesn't really detract from the game in my opinion.If you really like tennis, I highly recommend this game!