Wildfires Mar First Day of Play at Australian Open Qualifiers

Hazardous air enveloping Melbourne, Australia, delayed play on the first day of Australian Open qualifying matches on Tuesday, causing one player to double over in coughing fits during a match as the country’s wildfires marred the famed tournament.

Citing “hazardous” air conditions caused by smoke from nearby wildfires blowing toward the city, the City of Melbourne advised residents Tuesday morning to “stay indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and stay inside.”

The city also closed the North Melbourne Recreation Centre and the Melbourne City Baths in the interest of safety. But after an hourlong delay, the Australian Open played on, despite the air quality index remaining in an unhealthy range, with temperatures in the low 90s adding to difficult conditions.

Dalila Jakupovic, a Slovenian player ranked 180th, was winning her match against Stefanie Vögele in the midafternoon when she sunk to her knees in a fit of coughing. Struggling to breathe, she was forced to abandon the match she was leading 6-4, 5-6.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/14/sports/wildfires-australian-open.html?emc=rss&partner=rss