Djokovic crosses fingers for clean air at Melbourne Park

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.

No excuses for round one losers please.

Yep.. don't worry about the elderly or anything. The tennis players earning millions are a massive concern.

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