Bad weather stalls Australian Open qualifying matches

Australian Open qualifying was delayed twice today because of the very poor air quality from ongoing bushfires in the country and then rain.

Play was delayed by three hours on earlier this morning by the air quality, which was rated “unhealthy”.

Matches began at 13:00 local time (02:00 GMT) but were then suspended again because of heavy rain.

On Tuesday, Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic had tobe helped off court after retiring from her match.

Air quality in the city was rated as moderate by late afternoon.

Environment protection authority in Victoria, said the forecast is for improving conditions on Wednesday with a chance of a storm.

The rally for relief exhibition match – featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, with all money raised being donated to the bushfire relief fund – is scheduled to take place at rod laver arena on Wednesday night.