Tennis chief comments on fires affecting play at Australian Open qualifying

Tennis Australia chiefs said on Tuesday that they had called a halt to practice to protect the players after thick smoke was seen over Melbourne. The announcement came as players prepared for qualifying matches ahead of the 2020 Australia Open, the first grand slam event of the new decade.

"This is a new experience for all of us in how we manage air quality, so we have to listen to the experts," Australian Open tournament director and CEO of Tennis Australia Craig Tiley said.

Tiley confirmed that air quality monitors have been installed around the playing areas to supplement advice they receive from medical experts.