Melbourne under air warning amid qualifying. MORE:
The air was considered hazardous for outdoor workers, and described as among the worst in the world. For professional tennis players, though, it was deemed to be OK for business.
"This is a new experience for all of us in how we manage air quality, so we have to listen to the experts," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said. Professor Yuming Guo, the head of the Climate Air Quality Research Unit at Melbourne's Monash University, suggested tennis organizers either delay the tournament, or stage matches only indoors.
“I think the air pollution here because of the bush fires is much worse than Beijing, Mumbai or Delhi," Guo said. In Australian Open qualifiers, Dalila Jakupovic was leading against Stefanie Voegele when she dropped to her knees with a coughing spell. She had breathing difficulties and had to retire from the match.
Melbourne has three stadium courts with retractable roofs and air-conditioning. There are eight indoor courts at the National Tennis Centre, adjacent to the Melbourne Park site.
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