The smoke linked to the forest fires ravaging Australia should not lead to a postponement of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the organizers announced on Tuesday, ensuring that they have taken all measures to protect the players. The Australian Open is set to take place from January 20 to February 2 in Melbourne, a city that has been surrounded for several days by a cloud of toxic smoke linked to the fires that are ravaging the east.
Novak Djokovic, president of the ATP Players' Council and number 2 in the world, asked the organizers of the Open Sunday to consider postponing the tournament if the fires, which killed 25 people, and smoke threatened the health of players. The boss of the Australian Federation (Tennis Australia) Craig Tiley said Tuesday not to consider such a measure.
Novak Djokovic would like to postpone the Australian Open because of the fires via @ 20minutesSport https://t.co/ZT5YhHKReg
- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) January 5, 2020"Based on the information we have at the moment - with the qualifications taking place next week - the forecast is good. We do not anticipate any delays and we have put in place additional measures to ensure that the Australian Open can proceed as planned. ”
Craig Tiley acknowledged that even if the images of the fires were overwhelming, there was no danger to the people of Melbourne. "The nearest fires are several hundred kilometers from the city," he said, stressing that the health and safety of players, staff and supporters was a priority.
Players mobilized to collect donations
"We devoted considerable additional resources to analysis, monitoring and logistics (...) throughout the tournament," he added. On site, there will be weather and air quality experts who will analyze all the data available live and assess the air quality in Melbourne Park in real time. "
The presence of any toxic smoke will be treated in the same way as exceptional heat or rain, the referees may interrupt the match if atmospheric monitoring indicates that it is too dangerous to continue. With Melbourne Park having three indoor stadiums and eight indoor courts, the risk of a schedule delay seems minimal.
These lights are one of the main topics of conversation during the group stage of the ATP Cup which is currently taking place in Perth (west), Brisbane and Sydney. International players and numerous sports personalities have mobilized to collect donations. For each ace made during the tournament, 100 Australian dollars (62 euros) are paid to the victims. Some players have individually promised to give more.
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