On Monday, hours after the defeat in the ATP Cup final, Rafa Nadal landed in Melbourne. On Tuesday, the 'number one' of the world was exercised for half an hour in the city that hosts the imminent Australian Open and on Wednesday attended an act of one of the main sponsors of the tournament, which again saw its agenda altered because of fault of the fires that for weeks devour that area of ​​the country.

During the Kia event held in Federation Square, the legendary Todd Woodbridge avoided any question to Nadal and Craig Tiley, tournament director, on this thorny issue. And that the smoke had forced to delay another day of the qualifying rounds until one in the afternoon. The organization did not want to change its plan of the day, with the exhibition match at the Rod Laver Arena as a star event.

Under the title of "AO: Rally for Relief," Nadal headed a roster of stars that also included Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Naomi Osaka, Alex Zverev, Caroline Wozniacki or Nick Kyrgios. The collection at the box office (with locations of 33 euros for adults and 22 for children) would be delivered to those affected by this lethal wave of fires.

155,000 euros more

During the event, Nadal and Federer confirmed the delivery of 155,000 euros from their pocket for the victims. "I've been coming to this country for 20 years and I have great memories. That's why I want to support this cause now," Serena revealed to receive a warm ovation. Another of the best moments of the evening was the applause of one of the fire brigades that came to represent.

According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Melbourne's air quality, normally one of the cities with the best conditions, was "very poor" at nine in the morning, although it did not reach Tuesday's "toxicity" levels. Faced with this situation, which can degenerate into coughing attacks and respiratory problems, the EPA advised "to stay in closed places away from smoke and limited exposure."

Another good news about it came from the Meteorology Office, with a party announcing storms and winds over the entire Victoria region, which could clean the air.

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