Melbourne weather: Dalila Jakupovic quits Australian Open qualifying after coughing fit

Dalila Jakupovic said she feared she was having an asthma attack before being forced to quit her Australian Open qualifier.

Dalila Jakupovic collapses on court during her Australian Open qualifying match.

Dalila Jakupovic said she felt “angry and sad” after collapsing on court in Australian Open qualifying due to the shocking air quality in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The Slovakian, who said she had never experienced conditions like it, said she was having chest pain when warming up at 9am.

The world No.180 was in a strong position in her qualifying match against Stefanie Voegele when she collapsed at the back of the court.

She had previously suffered a coughing fit while leading the Swiss 6-4 5-6. When she collapsed to her knees, she held a point to force a second set tiebreaker.

“It was really bad. I have never experienced anything like this,” she said. “I was really scared and I was scared that I was (going to) collapse. That is why I went onto the floor, because I couldn’t walk anymore.

“I couldn’t stretch myself because when I was on the ground, it was easier to get some air.”

She said the initial stages of the match against Voegele were reasonable but that it was not long before the smoke in the air, which was deemed hazardous overnight in Melbourne on Tuesday, started to have an impact on her.

“After 25 minutes, I was also experiencing difficulty, like an asthma attack, which I don’t have, so I called the physio on the court,” she said.

“After some time, I think at the end of the second set, the physio came again and I thought it would be better, but the points were a bit longer and I just couldn’t breathe anymore and I just fell on the floor and couldn’t stand up afterwards.

“I don’t have asthma and I have never had breathing problems and I actually like heat, so I don’t know.”

Jakupovic said the conditions were not fair to play in and believes officials should have been mindful they had additional time to finish the qualifying tournament given the main draw action is not due to begin until next Monday.

“I think it was not fair because it is not healthy for us,” she said.

“I was surprised because I thought they would not make us play today, but we don’t have much choice. If they don’t put us on the court, maybe we might get fined, I don’t know.

“It would be better to wait to see if tomorrow is better. They still have time. It is not rushing.”

She said players had discussed the issue in the locker rooms. Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard complained of spikes “in her lungs” when requiring off-court assistance prior to winning a tough three set match against You Xiaodi.

“I was talking before and we were a bit surprised that we were going to go and play under these conditions,” Jakupovic said.

“After the match, we were also talking about it, that some of the players had difficulties during the match.”

The former world No 69 said that health was her first priority. She was yet to talk to Australian Open officials about the experience at 4.30pm on Tuesday but said she was still feeling tightness in the chest.

Smoke sparks match delays

The smoke haze that has engulfed Melbourne on Tuesday threatens to cause delays to the Australian Open qualifying tournament beginning today.

Matches at Melbourne Park were due to begin at 10am but play has been pushed back to 11am and air quality will be monitored.

“Conditions on-site are improving and we are monitoring them constantly,” a statement said.

“Further decisions will be made based on onsite data, and in close consultation with our medical team, the Bureau of Meteorology and scientists from EPA Victoria.

“As always the health and safety of our players, our staff and our fans is our priority.”

Players in action today include former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard and Bernard Tomic, both looking to rebuild their rankings.

Five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova is among stars due to play in the Kooyong Classic. Tournament director Peter Johnston said he has concerns about the air quality.

Johnston said a decision would be made as late as possible, with play in the popular exhibition due to begin at 1pm.

Champions including Rafael Nadal are also due to practice at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

The City of Melbourne issued an advisory warning people to stay inside today due to the air quality.

“The air quality in Melbourne today is hazardous due to the bushfires. The EPA Victoria advises Melburnians should try to stay indoors, keep windows and doors shut and keep pets inside,” the advisory reads.

American player Noah Rubin was concerned players had not received information about how authorities were handling the situation regarding the smoke haze.

“Morning of first round of quallies here in Melbourne and not even a single e-mail has been received about air quality. Maybe an over-reaction but the lack of information on how to proceed is scary,” he wrote.

Tennis Australia issued a statement last week saying decisions on play proceeding if Melbourne was hit by a smoke haze would be made by experts.

“Assessing the likelihood of smoke-induced interruptions is a bit like how we treat heat and rain,” tournament director Craig Tiley said.

“We have experts who analyse all available

live data as specific to our sites as possible and consult regularly with tournament officials and, in the case of heat and smoke, medical experts.

“We have access to real-time monitoring of air quality at all of our venues and are working closely with medical personnel and local experts onsite to ensure we have the best possible information available to make any decisions regarding whether play should be halted at any point.

“The health of players, fans and staff is a priority at all times and we will continue to make these decisions with that in mind.”

Racing Victoria has already called off a meeting that was set down for Werribee on the western outskirts of the city on Tuesday afternoon.

Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said the smoke haze in the area and forecast of hazardous air quality was unlikely to improve throughout the day, making it unsuitable for racing.