Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

Players are suffocating in Melbourne. What will happen to the 2020 Australian Open?

We’re getting alarming news from the WTA players in Melbourne now that the start of main-draw play at the Australian Open is just days away, as smoke from the devastating bushfires is seriously polluting the air. Slovenian world No.180 Dalila Jakupovic was virtually suffocating during her first round match in the Australian Open qualifying and had to retire, while Maria Sharapova‘s exhibition match was stopped late in the second set because of smoke.

Davila Jakupovic retires after suffering a horrendous coughing fit and breathing difficulties in the heavy, polluted air in Melbourne.