Australia fires: Dalila Jakupovic 'scared I would collapse' because of 'unhealthy' air quality

Dalila Jakupovic says she was "really scared" as she retired from her Australian Open qualifying match because of the "unhealthy" air quality from ongoing bushfires in the country.

The Slovenian world number 180 had to be helped off court after she retired at 6-5 5-6 against Swiss Stefanie Vogele in the first round in Melbourne.

"It was really bad. I never experienced something like this," Jakupovic said.

"I was really scared I would collapse because I couldn't walk any more."

Qualifying was delayed by an hour on Tuesday and practice was temporarily suspended because of the air quality.

Organisers said the conditions were expected to improve and would be "monitored constantly".

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Asked about the decision to continue with qualifying, Jakupovic said: "I think it was not fair because it's not healthy for us.

"I was surprised. I thought we would not be playing today but we really don't have much choice."

People in Melbourne were advised to stay indoors and keep pets inside on Tuesday.

At least 28 people have died and an estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land has burned since 1 July.

Jakupovic added: "I'm angry and sad. I'm more sad because I had the win [in my grasp] and I just couldn't finish it.

"I don't have asthma even and I don't have breathing problems from the heat. I was scared."

Australian Open organisers said prior to Jakupovic's retirement: "Further decisions will be made based on onsite data, and in close consultation with our medical team, the Bureau of Meteorology and scientists from EPA Victoria.

"As always the health and safety of our players, our staff and our fans is our priority."

Eugenie Bouchard also left the court during her qualifying match against You Xiaodi, complaining of a sore chest. The Canadian returned after a medical timeout and won 4-6 7-6 6-1.

Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova's exhibition match in Kooyong, which is in the east of the city, was called off after both players complained about the air quality.

The Russian was trailing Germany's Laura Siegemund 7-6 5-5 when the match was ended.

"I started feeling a cough coming toward the end of the second set but I've been sick for a few weeks so I thought that had something to do with it," Sharapova told broadcasters after the match.

"But then I heard Laura speak to the umpire and she said she was struggling with it as well.

"We were out there for over two hours, so from a health standpoint it's the right call from officials."

Maria Sharapova's exhibition match was ended early because of the air quality

Analysis

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

Players rarely have any cause for complaint when they arrive at Melbourne Park each year, but this seems a clear unforced error by the Australian Open.

Victoria's Environment Protection Authority was warning Melburnians to stay indoors, and keep windows and door shut.

It rated the air quality "very poor" - which is a sign "everyone could be experiencing symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath".

The decision to continue playing appears all the more surprising given Tennis Australia issued a statement on Tuesday morning stressing that the health and safety of players, staff and fans is always their priority.

And there should have been no great urgency. The wind is due to change direction on Wednesday, and even though some rain is forecast, there is ample time to complete three rounds of qualifying before the main draw begins on Monday.

Australia's Bernard Tomic had his breathing checked by a trainer during his qualifying defeat

Melbourne residents were advised to stay indoors on Tuesday

Smoke from the bushfires could be seen over the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Rod Laver Arena

Spectators wore masks to protect themselves in Melbourne

Qualifying was delayed by an hour in Melbourne because of the poor air quality