Defending champion Novak Djokovic says he was saddened by the sight of players a...
MELBOURNE - Defending champion Novak Djokovic says he was saddened by the sight of players and ball kids struggling in smoky conditions during Australian Open qualifying and hoped the worst of the air pollution was behind them at the year’s first Grand Slam.
The threat of poor air disrupting the event has receded in recent days in the wake of a rainstorm, though forecasts for further wet weather could yet produce scheduling challenges when the tournament opens on Monday.“I think Melbourne at that time was the most polluted city in the world that day,” he told reporters on Sunday.“ last three days have been really good, fresh air, like nothing happened.
A number of leading players have been active in fundraising and pledged to open their wallets to help with relief efforts in Australia where 29 people have been killed and thousands made homeless by the devastation. Djokovic, who plays unseeded German Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round on Monday, is favorite to win a record-extending eighth Australian Open title and 17th Grand Slam trophy overall.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Djokovic crosses fingers for clean air at Melbourne ParkDefending champion Novak Djokovic says he was saddened by the sight of players a...
Read more »
Final curtain looms for Wozniacki at Melbourne ParkWhile most of her rivals are looking for a strong showing at Melbourne Park to k...
Read more »
Undercooked Federer hopes for fast start at Melbourne ParkRoger Federer is bidding for a third title in four years at Melbourne Park and a...
Read more »
Tennis: Medvedev happy with the hype at Melbourne ParkHaving suffered burn-out at the end of a brilliant 2019, Daniil Medvedev is feel...
Read more »
Melbourne Park ready to embrace the Kyrgios that caresAn unlikely hero of his country's bushfire relief efforts, Nick Kyrgios ent...
Read more »
Australian Open chief says tournament will go ahead despite air quality concernsThe Australian Open will go ahead as scheduled next week despite continuing concerns about the air quality in Melbourne, according to the grand slam's tournament director Craig Tiley.
Read more »