GREAT BRITAIN’S Harriet Dart reached the second qualifying round for the Australian Open, despite the poor air quality which forced one “really scared” player to quit her match.
Dart beat Bulgaria’s world No.194 Elitsa Kostova 6-4, 6-1 in 75 minutes to set up a meeting with American No.15 seed Nicole Gibbs.
Qualifying was delayed by an hour and practice was temporarily suspended because of the air quality caused by ongoing bush fires, while several players reported suffering breathing difficulties.
Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic was forced to retire at 6-5, 5-6 against Switzerland’s Stefanie Voegel, the world No.180 being helped off the court.
AO #Rally4Relief sees the biggest names in tennis join together for one reason - to raise funds for Australian bushfire relief efforts.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2020
To contribute: https://t.co/9RPgZ7ucg9 pic.twitter.com/GVvVmdzlUN
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“I was really scared that I would collapse. That’s why I went onto the floor because I couldn’t walk any more,” Jakupovic said afterwards.
“I don’t have asthma and never had breathing problems. I actually like heat. The physio came again and I thought it would be better. But the points were a bit longer and I just couldn’t breathe any more and I just fell on the floor.
“It’s not healthy for us. I was surprised, I thought we would not be playing today but we don’t have much choice.”
Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard also left the court, complaining of a sore chest, during her match against China’s You Xiaodi, although the Canadian returned to play the final set following the medical timeout and won 4-6, 7-6, 6-1.
Smoke haze caused by wildfires led the organisers to temporarily suspend practice sessions for the tournament on Tuesday, with qualifying beginning later in the morning following a delay.
“Further decisions will be made based on onsite data, and in close consultation with our medical team, the Bureau of Meteorology and scientists from EPA Victoria,” a statement from organisers said. “As always the health and safety of our players, our staff and our fans is our priority.”
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Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority had warned that air quality in the state would range from moderate to hazardous.
Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, said last week that he was hopeful the tournament would go ahead but said air quality would be closely monitored.
Dart’s victory was a rare success for British players on day one, with Liam Broady, Jay Clarke and Naiktha Bains all suffering defeats.
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