Concerning reports coming from Down Under today as highlighted by the BBC article on the first rounds of qualifying being majorly affected by the bushfire smoke engulfing Melbourne.
Dalila Jakupovic, who retired a set up from her Q1 match due to the conditions described how it was difficult to breathe and naturally very alarming.
Other players have had exhibition matches cancelled, have had to wear face masks and have had their breathing monitored during play.
It all looks like a tragic yet avoidable disaster for Tennis Australia – who surely have enough on their plate with Margaret Courts continued comments which have no place in society.
A delay to the tournament was mooted, it would of course disrupt the calendar on both tours but looks like the obvious decision now.
All Things Tennis 