The Australian Open qualifiers was delayed because of the bad quality of air which is as a result of the bushfire ravaging the country’s forest reserves right now and later again because of rainfall.
After an initial three-hour delay, matches began at 13:00 local time (2:00 GMT) but were soon suspended due to heavy downpours.
Due to similar air condition on Tuesday, Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic was helped off the court while Maria Sharapova’s exhibition match had to be cancelled and even though conditions became moderate in the afternoon, some players had forfeited their matches.
The Environmental Protection Authority in Victoria says conditions today are expected to be better with the chance of a heavy storm.
Over 100,000 sq km had been burnt since the 1st of July and at least 28 people have been confirmed dead.
Exhibition matches involving Serena, Nadal, Federer and co are scheduled to be played later today and all proceeds will go into the bushfire relief.
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