Djokovic: Wildfires might delay start of Australian Open

The Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic says that the organisers might need to consider a delay of the start the event because of the wildfires, CBC sports reports.

Djokovic is currently in the ATP Cup tournament in Brisbane and commented: "I think they're going to try to do anything to not delay anything in terms of days and when it starts. But if it comes down to those conditions affecting the health of players, I think we should definitely consider it [delay the start]."

The devastating wildfires have been terrorising Australia for more than two months now. More than 20 people have died and 1,500 homes destroyed while animal life has also taken a huge hit. Tennis Australia and a number of other tennis stars have already announced several initiatives to raise funds for those affected by the fires.

A tournament in Canberra has already been relocated to Bendigo due to the effects of the fires there. The air quality is severely affected in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and playing in such conditions would likely have an impact on the players' health.

"They are obviously tracking the situation every single day as it's evolving. I think they will if it continues the same way and if the quality of air is affected in Melbourne or Sydney, I think Tennis Australia probably will be forced to create some rules about it." Although scheduling on the World Calendar is an issue.

Djokovic also said that the ATP Players council would discuss the issue. "So I really never had this kind of experience before. I hope that it's going to dissipate, that this is something that is very temporary."

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