"The Prince of Tennis: A Day on Survival Mountain" is an OVA (original video animation) special that serves as a comedic side story within the larger "The Prince of Tennis" franchise. The narrative centers on the members of the Seishun Academy (Seigaku) tennis team, who are sent to a remote mountain for a survival training camp by their coach, Ryuzaki Sumire. The camp is intended to test their physical and mental endurance, but it quickly devolves into a series of absurd and humorous challenges.

The story begins with the team arriving at the base of Survival Mountain, where they are divided into pairs and given minimal supplies. Each pair must navigate the treacherous terrain, overcome obstacles, and complete tasks to reach the summit. The challenges range from crossing unstable rope bridges to foraging for food, all while dealing with the unpredictable behavior of their teammates. The interactions between the characters highlight their distinct personalities and dynamics, with Ryoma Echizen, the prodigious first-year, often displaying his trademark aloofness, while upperclassmen like Tezuka Kunimitsu and Oishi Syuichiro take on more leadership roles.

As the teams progress, the camp's true nature is revealed to be less about survival and more about fostering teamwork and resilience. The exaggerated and often slapstick humor is a key element, with characters like Eiji Kikumaru and Momoshiro Takeshi providing comic relief through their antics. The OVA also includes moments of camaraderie and growth, as the players learn to rely on each other despite their differences.

The climax involves a final challenge where the teams must work together to retrieve a flag at the summit. This sequence emphasizes the importance of collaboration and strategy, traits essential to their success on the tennis court. The OVA concludes with the team reflecting on their experiences, though the lighthearted tone ensures the focus remains on the humor and absurdity of their adventure rather than any deep introspection.

Overall, "A Day on Survival Mountain" is a self-contained story that complements the main series by exploring the characters in a non-tennis setting. It balances humor with brief moments of character development, offering fans a chance to see their favorite players in an unconventional and entertaining scenario.