You must be choking: tennis stars find smoke cloud unbearable
The tennis world has slammed Australian Open organisers after electing to go ahead with qualifying matches this week despite Melbourne being blanketed by a smoky haze.
Poor air quality because of bush fires forced qualifying matches to be delayed but they were eventually cleared to go ahead.
The hazardous conditions proved a nightmare for players, who united to condemn the decision to let play proceed.
Aussie Bernard Tomic lost in the first round of qualifying for the year’s first grand slam, which starts on Monday, and needed medical attention.
“I just can’t breathe,” he said. “No air is going in. I’m getting tired so easy,” Tomic was heard telling medical staff. “Is anyone else complaining today?”
“No, it’s been okay,” said the medic. There were also troubling scenes when Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic collapsed to the court due to a coughing fit. Jakupovic, ranked No 180 in the world, was forced to retire from the match.
The Slovenian put the onus on Australian Open officials, saying the conditions weren’t right for matches to go ahead.
“I think it was not fair because it’s not healthy for us,” she said.
“I was surprised. I thought we would not be playing today but we really don’t have much choice.
“It was really bad. I never experienced something like this and I was really scared. I was scared that I would collapse. That’s why I went on the floor. Because I couldn’t walk any more. When I was on the ground, it was easier to get some air.”
Several high-profile players vented their frustration after seeing fellow players suffering.
World No 5 Elina Svitolina wasn’t happy and took aim at Australian Open officials with a scathing tweet.
Belgian player Steve Darcis delivered his own clip after the matches went ahead despite warnings from the Environmental Protection Authority telling Victorians to remain indoors.
Tennis Australia says it will continue to work with their medical team, the Bureau of Meteorology and Environment Protection Authority Victoria scientists when making decisions about whether it’s safe to play.
TA says it has installed measuring devices on-site for air quality, with qualifying play cleared to continue.
— news.com.au