Novak Djokovic warns smoke may delay Australian Open
Organisers may have to delay the start of the Australian Open if air quality continues to be affected by bushfires, says Novak Djokovic.
Organisers may have to consider delaying the start of the Australian Open if Melbourne’s air quality continues to be affected by bushfires, defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic says.
Djokovic — who is also the ATP Player Council president — said he was concerned about potential health issues at Melbourne Park and believed steps may have to be taken to protect players if the air quality continues to deteriorate.
Djokovic said the ATP Player Council would meet ahead of the season-opening grand slam to discuss options, and delaying the start may be considered.
“You have to consider it because of some extreme weather or conditions,” he said. “That’s probably the very, very last option.
“(But) if it comes down to … the conditions affecting the health of players, you have to consider it.” Djokovic said his camp had been in close contact with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley and had been monitoring air quality in not only Melbourne but also Sydney where the ATP Cup finals are scheduled to be held.
“If it continues the same way and quality of air is affected in Sydney, I think Tennis Australia will be forced to create some rules about it.
“It is tough for them because the schedule has to be respected, the Australian Open starts at a certain time so there are a lot of things involved. But a health concern is a health concern for anybody.”
Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues in tournaments in China but the Australian bushfires were unprecedented.
“I know in China the playing conditions are very tough in terms of quality of air but this is something different — I have never had this kind of experience before,” he said.
ATP Council vice-president Kevin Anderson hinted that an air quality index may be used.
AAP
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