World number two Novak Djokovic said he was concerned about smoke causing some problems during the Australian Open tennis later this month as forest fires continued in large parts of southeastern Australia.
Hundreds of fires in New South Wales and Victoria have killed at least 24 people and destroyed large areas of forests over the past few months.
Smoke from the flames caused dangerous conditions in Sydney, where the final rounds of the first edition of the Professional Players Cup will be held next week, and in Melbourne, where the first Grand Slam tournaments for this year will start on January 20.
Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic, who is taking part in the Professional Confederation of Professional Players Cup, said he hoped to solve the problem soon, but a plan must be made to avoid any impact on the players ’health if the crisis persists.
He told a news conference in Brisbane in the early hours of Sunday morning, "If things continue this way and if the air quality is affected in Melbourne or Sydney, then I think the Australian Tennis Federation will have to set some regulations regarding that."
"It is difficult for them ... because it involves many different things. But health issues are important to me and everyone."
Smoke has so far disrupted the sporting schedule in Canberra, as a cricket match was canceled on December 21 when conditions became unfavorable for continued play.