Could the Australian Open be canceled? If the question obviously remains secondary in the face of the current ecological disaster, the fires which continue to ravage three states, including that of Victoria whose capital is Melbourne, pose the threat. The organizers said Tuesday morning that such a scenario, which would be a great first in the history of Grand Slam tournaments, was not envisaged for the moment.
"Based on the information we have at the moment - with qualifications taking place next week - the forecast is good," said Australian Federation boss Craig Tiley. We do not anticipate any delays and have implemented additional measures to ensure that the tournament can proceed as planned. "
However, the players have expressed their fears. On Monday morning, the amount of fine particles in the air reached 163 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Pollution much, much too high to even consider doing sports for a quarter of an hour. "Up to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, it is still beneficial to do sport compared to sedentary lifestyles, up to one hour per day, explains Anne Lassman-Trappier, air quality referent at France Nature Environment. Beyond that, it's dangerous and at the levels you're talking about, it's extremely toxic to health. "
The risks for the organism are numerous. “In the short term, there are already cardiac consequences. A peak in pollution systematically leads to a sharp increase in the number of cardiovascular accidents, even when it is not very high (from 50 to 80 micrograms), continues the manager. There can also be long-term effects, which also depend on where athletes live, whether or not they are chronically exposed to pollution. They are respiratory: asthma, bronchial infections, and in extreme cases up to lung cancer. "
Better, but still a very uncertain situation
Consequently, the stake is major. "We have spent considerable additional resources on analysis, monitoring and logistics throughout the tournament," said Craig Tiley. 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 new air quality data available on Tuesday is a step in the right direction. The quantity of fine particles in the air has dropped to 7 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Even the small amount of rain on Monday made things better. But it would take much more to perpetuate the situation. This is not what the weather forecast says. The air should be breathable again Friday, before a return to green this weekend. And then ? Impossible to say today, when the qualifications start early next week.
The situation will remain uncertain. "With rain and wind, things can change very quickly," says Anne Lassman-Trappier. There is also the issue of ozone. In strong heat and sun, as in Australia, there are peaks. Real-time analyzes will be essential, then we will have to see how much they set the limit to possibly stop the matches. Knowing that tennis is one of the sports considered violent on the respiratory level.
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Fires in Australia: Novak Djokovic wants to postpone the Australian Open for fear of players' health
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