Australian Open Player Quits Match After Coughing, Falling Due To Smoky Air
Australian Open Player Quits Match After Coughing, Falling Due To Smoke-Filled Air
Slovenian tennis pro Dalila Jakupovic was forced to quit her qualifying match at the Australian Open on Tuesday ... after she coughed and collapsed to the court due to the air quality.
Of course, the air in Melbourne is currently considered "the worst in the world" as smoke from the wildfires has taken over the area.
Despite the chief health officer saying the air was very poor or hazardous, the qualifying round of the tournament kicked off on Tuesday ... and several players have complained about the conditions already.
Jakupovic was in the middle of the second set of her match against Stefanie Vogele when she started coughing uncontrollably and went to her knees.
“I was really scared that I would collapse," the 28-year-old said ... adding that it was unfair for players to have to play in the current conditions.
"I never had breathing problems. I actually like heat," Jakupovic added. "I just couldn't breathe anymore and I just fell on the floor."
Other tennis pros needed assistance during their matches ... including Genie Bouchard and Bernard Tomic.
As for the status of the remainder of the tourney ... organizers say they will monitor the situation before making any decisions but can possibly move things indoors.
