Federer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog

Roger Federer on Saturday demanded better communication about air quality from tennis chiefs, saying players were confused when told to continue qualifying for Australian Open this week despite toxic smoke from bushfires. 20-time Grand Slam champion said a lack of information me matters worse when players were forced to stay on courts on Tuesday and Wednesday, when air quality in Melbourne was among worst on planet.

"I think communication is key from tournament to people, to media, to fans, to players, because you do hear it's t safe to be outside, keep your pets inside, close your windows," he said.

"You have court calls, n you look at haze and everything, it doesn't look good. How far are we from that threshold of playing, t playing?"

Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic was forced to retire during qualifying after a distressing coughing fit, while Britain's Liam Broy claimed "multiple" players needed asthma medication. Broy, in particular, was scathing over what he considered a lack of clarity on decision-making process about when to suspend play. In wake of backlash, Australian Open organisers on Saturday introduced a five-step air quality rating to determine when play should be halted, based on pollutants measured by monitoring stations throughout Melbourne Park.

Play will be stopped if particulate matter rating (PM2.5) -- solid and liquid particles suspended in air -- hits 200, or five on air quality scale. Between 97 and 200 -- a four rating -- will trigger a discussion between medical staff and officials about wher play should continue, with match referee able to suspend a match if he sees fit. rules will apply to all outside courts and Grand Slam's three arenas with retractable roofs, where play will be halted until roof is closed.

'I told m'

Some players in qualifying questioned why stars like Federer didn't do more to speak up on ir behalf during choking haze, but Swiss great, who is on ATP player council, insisted he did everything he could.

"What can I do? I can go to office, speak to m. I went to m first day when it was b on Tuesday, next day on Wednesday when it was still b," he said.

"I told m, 'Look, I just think communication is key for all of us, for everybody'. We just need to do more because I feel like I hn't gotten eugh information.

"Can I go on court and say, Everybody stop play? I can try. I don't think that's going to do much. Maybe it was all a bit late. But I don't think I can do more than what I did."

Australian Open gets underway on Monday, when rain is forecast. Air quality in Melbourne on Saturday was rated 'moderate', one step below 'good'. 38-year-old said introduction of air quality scale was a step in right direction and he was t worried about playing in smoke haze.

"From what we were told yesterday in player meeting, Olympic Games and or competitions have (particulate matter) numbers set at 300. Ours is set at 200," he said.

"From that standpoint, I think we're moving in a very safe range. We're t here for six months straight at over 200, 300, you kw. That's when maybe effects really become b."

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley told reporters on Thursday he "absolutely understands anger".

"I do think air quality for sport and for tennis is a conversation we're going to have more of in future," he ded.