Australian Open bushfire smoke haze: British qualifier Liam Broady is fed up

As Australian Open qualifying resumed in healthier conditions on Thursday, one competitor unloaded on officials – saying players had to take a stand over what was ‘a slap in the face’.

Smoke haze hovers over the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

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British tennis player Liam Broady has launched a stunning attack on Australian Open officials over their decision to play qualifiers in shocking smoke-affected conditions this week.

Broady, who was bounced 6-3 6-0 by Belarusian Ilya Ivashka on Tuesday, described the call to let players continue their matches as a ‘slap in the face’ and said it was time players took a stand.

Broady said the issue “boils my blood”, joining the likes of American qualifier Noah Rubin in accusing the Australian open of double standards.

“The more I think about the conditions we played in a few days ago the more it boils my blood,” Broady wrote on Twitter.

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Smoke haze hovers over the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

“We can’t let this slide. The email we received yesterday from the ATP and AO was a slap in the face, conditions were ‘playable’.

“Were they ‘healthy’? 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?

“What do we have to do to create a players union? Where is the protection for players, both male and female?

Liam Broady in action during his defeat to Ilya Ivashka. Picture: Getty

“When multiple players need asthma spray on court and they don’t even has asthma?

“When a player collapses and has to retire due to respiratory issues?

“On tour we let so many things go that aren’t right, but at some point we have to make a stand. ALL players need protection, not just a select few.”

We can’t let this go. @VasekPospisil @DreddyTennis @Jay27798 @sventennis @hotdog6969 @GBtennis @NaomiBroady pic.twitter.com/KYxSW2kP2I

— Liam Broady (@Liambroady) January 15, 2020

A man wearing a face mask fills up a water bottle. Picture: AFP

Meanwhile, Australian Open qualifying started on time on Thursday after both smoke and rain stayed away, with organisers hopeful they will be able to complete round one.

Tournament officials remain optimistic they can complete the three rounds of qualifying – with 16 players from both the men’s and women’s entries advancing to the main draw – before the Open starts on Monday.

They can play during the weekend if required.

Originally published as Australian Open bushfire smoke haze: British qualifier Liam Broady is fed up