Australian Open matches could be suspended if air quality is too bad, organisers said after Melbourne reached "very unhealthy" levels amid bushfires.
Fires in Australia have killed at least 24 people since September and millions of hectares of land have been scorched.
Tournament director Craig Tiley says assessing the likelihood of smoke-induced interruptions is a bit like how they treat heat and rain.
He adds the health of players, fans and staff is a priority at all times.
According to Victoria's Bureau of Meteorology visibility in Melbourne, which hosts the opening Grand Slam of the year this month, is less than 1km in some parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The air quality index in the city reached 213 on Monday, with a reading above 200 considered "very unhealthy".
Qualifying for the Australian Open begins next Tuesday with the main draw starting on 20 January.
[Source: BBC]
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