Poor Canberra air quality forces tennis tournament to move to Bendigo
The deteriorating air quality in Canberra has forced the relocation of an international tennis tournament that was to begin in the city on Monday.
The deteriorating air quality in Canberra has forced the relocation of an international tennis tournament that was to begin in the city on Monday.
The ATP Tour made the extraordinary decision on Friday morning to shift the challenger level tournament, which featured players ranked inside the top 100, to Bendigo.
Australians including Thanasi Kokkinakis were also due to begin their summer in the nation’s capital but will instead head to the regional Victorian city.
“Unfortunately, we received expert advice today that air quality (is) not likely to improve in time for us to complete the event in Canberra,” a tour statement said.
“There are too many variables such as the state of the fires and upcoming conditions which are out of our control.
“We are deeply disappointed that the current conditions will not allow us to host the event, here in Canberra, however the health of you as well as our volunteers, ball kids and event staff is our number one priority. It always will be.”
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