'I was scared that I would collapse,' Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic said. 'That's why I went on the floor (of the court) because I couldn't walk any more. When I was on the ground it was easier to get some air.'
A tennis player was forced to retire from Australian Open qualifying in Melbourne after collapsing with a coughing fit caused by bushfire smoke.
Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic was leading 6-4 5-6 against Switzerland's Stefanie Vogele, but was unable to finish her service game at the end of the second set.Distressing scenes in the Australian Open qualifiers in Melbourne as Dalila Jakupovic is forced to retire when bushfire smoke brings on a coughing fit pic.twitter.com/3IiDVHXMVx
— Eurosport UK January 14, 2020 "It was very hard for me to breathe for the whole match. After 20 minutes I already had difficulties," Jakupovic told CNN's Amanda Davies. "I wasn't able to make more than three shots running left and right because I was already getting like an asthma attack. I don't have asthma normally." Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and featuresA smoke haze from bushfires hangs over Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena.
— Elina Svitolina January 14, 2020 "When we have doctors who state that playing in 45 degrees isn't dangerous at the Australian Open and referees who state that wet grass isn't slippery at Wimbledon, we must be able to find an expert who can certify that the air quality is sufficient, no?" he tweeted Tuesday. Australian Open organizers said conditions were improving and"constantly being monitored.
See the Australian fires from the sky 03:05Three of the Australian Open's show courts at Melbourne Park -- Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena -- have retractable roofs that are closed in the case of rain or extreme heat, and the site also hosts the National Tennis Center, which has eight further indoor courts.Players and organizations across the sport have committed to supporting bushfire relief efforts.
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