Australian Open 2019: Federer believes tournament will progress without serious incident

Roger Federer, who opens this campaign against American Steve Johnson, believes the Open will progress without significant incident.

The world’s best men were told in an official meeting prior to the Australian Open that their peers in qualifying had performed in air quality conditions deemed safe by Olympic standards.

Roger Federer, a six-time champion in Australia, said the quality of Melbourne’s air and the safety for players given the concerns raised by the smoke haze was discussed at a meeting of ATP Tour players on Friday night.

Hours before qualifying began on Tuesday, Melbourne’s air quality was measured as the worst in the world, with the smoke haze deemed hazardous to health.

Several players struggled in conditions over the opening two days, with competitors angered by the lack of communication from authorities.

Canadian Denis Shapovalov warned he would not play if he believed the smoke haze would harm his health.

“I’m 20 years old. I don’t want to risk my life, risk my health … playing in these conditions,” he told reporters.

“For my own health, if it gets bad, I just don’t see what the point is.”

The rising star said that while he doubted conditions would reach that stage, the situation was concerning.

He said it was unfortunate players had been “left in the dark” by officials.

Federer, who last won in Melbourne in 2018 and will open this campaign against American Steve Johnson, understands the concerns but believes the Australian Open will progress without significant incident.

He dismissed suggestions authorities should consider moving the tournament.

“From what we were told yesterday in the player meeting, the Olympic Games and other competitions have the (air index) numbers set at 300. Ours is set at 200,” he said.

“From that standpoint, I think we’re moving in a very safe range. We’re not here for six months straight at over 200, 300, you know. That’s when maybe effects really become bad.

“I don’t worry too much, to be honest. I worry more for everybody else who is in the fire, in the smoke.

“Also we can stay indoors all day, quickly go out and play, go back in again. It’s not like we’re stuck outside at all times.”

He conceded the messaging surrounding the impact on players from tennis authorities could have been more timely.

“Maybe that message comes a bit late after the ATP Cup is over, after qualifying is over,” he said.

“I think communication is key from the tournament to the people, to the media, to the fans, to the players, because you do hear it’s not safe to be outside, keep your pets inside, close your windows.

“You have court calls, then you look at the haze and everything, it doesn’t look good. (But) I think we’re going to get through it and it should be fine.”

The Swiss superstar was singled out along with Rafael Nadal by Canadian Brayden Schnur, who called on the world’s best players to stand up for their lower-ranked peers due to health concerns.

Other players have expressed anger at the entire experience over the past week.

The 20-time major winner, who is a member of the ATP Player Council, said he was proactive in raising the matter with Australian Open officials.

“So what can I do? I can go to the office, speak to them,” Federer said.

“I went to them the first day when it was bad on Tuesday, the next day on Wednesday when it was still bad. I told them, ‘Look, I just think communication is key for all of us, for everybody. We just need to do more because I feel like I hadn’t gotten enough information,’.

“Can I go on court and say, ‘Everybody stop play?’ I can try. I don’t think that’s going to do much. So some media are happy to hammer home with that subject because it’s a new one.

“Maybe it was all a bit late. But I don’t think I can do more than what I did. I’m on the council. I’ve been on the tour for so long. I came through the lower ranks, the juniors.

“At the end of the day we all care for one another. We cross paths in the locker room. We’re all cool, you know. I understand some frustration, always, because this tour, this calendar, this schedule, whatever it may be, is never perfect. Some guys are always going to complain.”

Federer is unbeaten against Johnson, who won an ATP Challenger tournament in Bendigo earlier on Saturday, in two outings.

His most recent victory over the American, who defeated Alex de Minaur at Wimbledon last year, came at Indian Wells when he was triumphant 7-6 7-6.

“Look, it’s exactly the tricky situation right now playing somebody who has just played a lot this week,” he said.

“He’s ready to go. He’s match-ready and I’m not. I got to really make sure I get out of the gates quickly. Practice has been going well. Had plenty of time to pace myself and do all the things I had to do to get ready. I hope it’s enough.”

Federer played exhibition matches against Alexander Zverev in South America through December but has not played an official lead-in event.

“I know it’s a super long road to victory. That’s why I’ve got to take it one match at a time. My expectations are quite low,” he said.