Try installing Version 7 of Workstation. They did something to break the graphics engine after version 7 which prevented you to obtain proper video output while using Team Fortress.. Another thing to try is to install VMware Tools. Without it, you are running without hardware acceleration, and almost nothing will work. Version 7 of workstation doesn't work with VM's created with a newer version. Might try creating a new VM, or convert it's compatibility down to version 7 before downgrading.
TF2 is not a recent game. It has been out for several years, and like I said, the graphics engine did work at one time but is now not functional with this said software.
Workstation 7 graphics works with team fortress, but not newer versions.