It has now been confirmed that a second Australian Open video game will be making its way to different gaming platforms next month. Called AO Tennis 2, the new edition of the game will be exhibiting major improvements when compared to its predecessor.

Developed by Big Ant Studios, the first AO Tennis received decent reviews from critics and players. First released in January 2018, that particular version was praised for being a good game for people who are already tennis fans. But it also received criticism due to the less-than-stellar visuals and awkward character movements. Thankfully, reception became better as more patches and updates were transmitted to players.

Release of second official Australian Open video game

Big Ant Studios hopes to make up for the disappointment that the first game created through AO Tennis 2. With additional backing from French publisher BigBen Interactive, fans have high hopes for the hotly-anticipated sequel.

For AO Tennis 2, the developers made sure to work closely with Tennis Australia so they can produce a more realistic and expansive simulation of the tennis calendar’s first Grand Slam tournament. As a result, the developers were able to design an exact and accurate replica of the Melbourne Park, which serves as the tournament’s venue.

 

Features of AO Tennis 2

A lot of effort has been poured into ensuring that the authentic Australian Open experience is replicated for gamers. This ranges from the Melbourne Park tennis courts to the characters’ tennis uniforms and even to the behaviors of the star players in the game.

One of the improved features integrated into AO Tennis 2 is the career mode. Apart from being a skilled player, gamers will have to manage their public image and reputation. This mode gives players an opportunity to experience the pressure in both the tennis court and the conference room.

In the released developer’s diary, executives and developers from BigAnt Studios and BigBen Interactive have also revealed some of the game’s lineup. Among the players that are in the game’s character choices are current world number ones Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty.

Other notable players include WTA world no. 2 Karolina Pliskova, Russian player Karen Khachanov, and former world no. 1 Angelique Kerber. Australians Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alex De Minaur are also in the game. There is currently no news yet on whether other star players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams will be included in the game.

Availability of AO Tennis 2

AO Tennis 2 is currently planned for a January 9, 2020 release, just over a week before the start of the Australian Open. The game will become available to PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 players.

Nadal and Barty’s odds about winning the Australian Open

It’s interesting to notice that while Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty are both the leaders of their rankings, according to top betting company bet365 they are only the favorites no.2 and 3 to win the title in Melbourne. According to bet365, the hot favorites in Australia will be Novak Djokovic on the male side and Serena Williams, followed by Bianca Andreescu on the female side.

Click here to see the updated quotes (only selected countries – USA excluded). To be able to watch live streaming bet365, a funded account is required or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 18+ BeGambleAware.

Alternatively, you can check the quotes of Bovada, and they also accept Bitcoin.

 

Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.3, Roger played his last match on the 16th of November when he had to bow to Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London.

This year the Swiss has a 51-10 win-loss record. Roger has won 4 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami, in Halle and in Basel. Federer was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.

Serena Williams’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.10, Serena played her last match on the 7th of September when she had to bow to Bianca Vanessa Andreescu 6-3 7-5 in the final in U.S. Open.

Serena Williams’s best performance of the current year was reaching the final in at the U.S. Open, Toronto and in Wimbledon.