OH GOOD EVANS!
AUSTRALIAN OPEN organisers insist the first Grand Slam of the season will go ahead on Monday – even if it has to be played indoors.
The hazardous smoke haze from bushfires has caused qualifying to be delayed and cancelled this week – and whipped up a storm of criticism from players.
British No6 Liam Broady, who lost in qualifying on Tuesday, said an email sent out to male players yesterday claiming that conditions were acceptable for play was “a slap in the face”.
Melbourne residents were urged to stay indoors this week while Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic retired from her match on Tuesday after suffering a coughing fit. A southerly wind brought clearer air and
Neil McLeman
cooler temperatures into the Victorian capital yesterday, but there are three indoor courts at Melbourne Park if the weather and atmosphere get worse and exceed safety limits.
Bullish Australian Open director Craig Tiley said: “There is a lot of speculation about the Australian Open not happening or starting later. The Australian Open is happening.
“We do have three environments in which we can compete. It may look different but it will happen.
“If we had to work it out [and play indoors] we would, and we don’t expect that to happen. Will it start and finish on time? Yes. The weather forecast looks good. I am looking forward to it starting on Monday.
“Absolutely, we understand the anger. A lot of it comes in the confusion and the complexity of understanding what goes on.”
But world No234 Broady posted on social media: “The more I think about the conditions we played in a few days ago, the more it boils my blood. We can’t let this slide.
“The email we received yesterday from the ATP and AO was a slap in the face.
“Citizens of Melbourne were warned to keep their animals indoors the day I played qualifying, and yet we were expected to go outside for high-intensity physical competition?”