THE Australian Open is due to start in barely two weeks amid fears the still-raging bushfires in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra might jeopardize play.
The season opener of four tennis Slams that begins on January 20 could be threatened with bad quality of air arising from smoke caused by massive conflagration that had already gutted more than 5 million hectares of forests.
Said Australian star Ashleigh Barty, the world No. 1: “It’s been really terrible…. For me this started two or three months ago…. The first time I saw of it was actually flying home…to the east coast and we could see some of the smoke, and some of the fires…. Obviously the worst of it is still out there at the moment.”
The reigning French Open champion expressed grief big time: “Now it’s not just the wildlife, it’s also affected Australians with their lives and their homes.”
Already razed to the ground are 1,500 homes, with 24 deaths reported, and thousands of wildlife killed, most notably the endearing koalas and kangaroos, Australia’s enduring symbols of cuddly love. (I pray for the continued safety of our friends Boy & Sheila Baluran, and Ramon & Becky Acebes—all of Sydney.)
Barty said she would donate her prize money in the ongoing Brisbane International, her home tournament, to the Australian Red Cross. The winner of the tournament, which started on Monday, will earn more than $250,000.
The Australian Open organizers will hold a special charity event on January 15 , five days before the season’s first major begins in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic, whose seven Australian Opens are among his 16 Grand Slam singles titles, wants the tournament postponed.
“Conditions affecting the health of players count,” said Djokovic. “I think we should definitely consider postponing it…I think 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.”
Djokovic added “…I think they’re going to try to do anything to not delay…but health concern is a health concern for me, and for anybody.”
If only to allay Djokovic’s fears, it rained the other night in Australia, easing tension, even for only a bit.
Nick Kyrgios, the mercurial Aussie star, promised $200 for every ace he hits this month to relief efforts. As of this writing, he has served 20 aces in Australia’s opening win in the ATP Cup.
Who said Kyrgios was heartless?
That was before, perhaps. Time makes people change.
Disasters melt a heart of stone.
THAT’S IT The just-ended Fil-Am Golf Invitational in Baguio City’s Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay, the world’s biggest golf event, participants-wise, was another smashing success, thanks mainly to the usual sterling leadership of tournament top gun Anthony de Leon, the dapper BCC general manager, in tandem with Tim Allen of CJH. Jake P. Ayson and I are simply overjoyed learning about it, even as Jake and I took a much-needed break from our Rulesmen duties for the first time after years of handling the delicate job. Cheers guys! And here’s wishing for more accolades coming your way in the succeeding years!