Helene Elliott: As Serena Williams pursues singles record, fires cast pall over Australian Open
by Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times
Jan 19, 2020
3 minutes
The Australian Open is often called the "Happy Slam" for its relaxed feeling and swarms of knowledgeable fans who invest their emotions in every point of the year's first major tournament.
But the cheer that customarily reigns has been replaced this year by anxiety over the bushfires that have ravaged parts of Australia and dispatched smoky air toward Melbourne Park, where several players complained of breathing problems last week.
Some qualifying matches were delayed because of poor air quality
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days