Player quits Australian Open due to bad air quality

JULIAN FINNEY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

Dalila Jakupovic was forced to retire from Australian Open qualifiers because of the "unhealthy" air quality in Melbourne.

She collapsed with a coughing fit and was unable to finish her service game despite leading 6-4 5-6 against Switzerland's Stefanie Vogele.

"I was really scared," Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic told the media. "I never had breathing problems. I actually like heat. But ... I just couldn't breathe anymore and I just fell on the floor."

Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard and Australia's Bernard Tomic also required medical timeout during their games.

A thick haze from the raging wildfires has enveloped Melbourne, leaving air quality in the "very poor" to “hazardous” range.

Meanwhile, Australian Open said it will make further decisions about the matches after consulting with its medical team, the Bureau of Meteorology and scientists from the state’s Environment Protection Authority.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!