“It was really bad - I've never experienced anything like it

Dalila Jakupovic was helped by the track after she was forced to give up the match against Stefanie Vogele, Switzerland, in the first qualifying round of the Australian Open.

The match was delayed first because of the smoke that had drawn in over the city and once it was running she had trouble breathing due to the poor air quality.

- I was really scared that I would collapse because my legs were no longer carrying me, says Jakupovic according to the BBC.

She didn't think the qualifying matches would be played because the air was so bad.

- It doesn't feel fair because it's not healthy for us. I was surprised, I didn't think we would play today but we didn't have much to choose from.

It was not the only match that was interrupted.

Eugenie Bouchard took a medical timeout in her qualifying match against You Xiaodi and said she had a chest pain. However, the Canadian was able to return and win the match.

Maria Sjarapova, who played an exhibition match against German Laura Siegemund, also complained about poor air quality along with her opponent, after which the match was broken.

- I felt that I started coughing at the end of the first set and, but I've been sick before so I thought it had to do with it. But then I heard Laura talk to the judge that she also had problems with it, says Sjarapova afterwards.

In addition, training sessions were canceled. According to the organizer, it is only temporary and conditions are expected to improve. At the same time, people in Melbourne are being encouraged to stay indoors and their pets indoors, Melbourne local authorities wrote on Twitter.

The organizer of the Australian Open continues to monitor air quality and takes help from the Australian metrological authority BOM.

"As always, the health and safety of the players, our staff and fans is our highest priority," the organizers continue.

Last week, Craig Tiley, chairman of the Australian Tennis Association, said the tournament, which starts on Monday, will start on the scheduled date.

If the air quality is too poor due to fire smoke, referees can stop the matches, just as they do in extreme heat or rain. Melbourne Park also has three large roofed arenas and there are eight other indoor courts, so the organizer does not expect any major delays in the game schedule due to fire smoke.