The Australian Open usually symbolizes the start of a new tennis year and traditionally the tournament is decided during the last two weeks of January. Now the reigning champion will also open the chair of ATP's player council, Novak Djokovic, to postpone the tournament after the big forest fires that have ravaged the country lately.
After a win against South African Kevin Anderson in a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open in Brisbane, the world-wide commented on the situation ahead of the major competition.
"Postponing the tournament is definitely the last option, but if the conditions affect the players' health then you have to consider it," Djokovic said after the match.
The concern is based on the degraded air quality caused by the forest fires with smoke in the air. According to reigning champion Novak Djokovic, his team has been in contact with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
- It is tough for them because the schedule has to be respected. The Australian Open starts on a specific date so there are many factors to consider, says Novak Djokovic.
The Australian Open is scheduled to begin January 20th.