ZCZC
BSP-05
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN-WEATHER
Play suspended as rain hits Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Jan 20, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Play was suspended just hours after the
start of the Australian Open on Monday as heavy rain fell on Melbourne Park,
causing further disruption after a build-up hit by smoke from bushfires.
Umbrellas went up and fans were sent scurrying for cover as the heavens
opened at about 3:00 pm (0400 GMT), making play impossible on most of the
courts.
World number three Roger Federer’s match against Steve Johnson was briefly
interrupted while officials closed the roof on Rod Laver Arena, and Petra
Kvitova’s match with Katerina Siniakova was also continuing under the roof at
Margaret Court Arena.
Smog from Australia’s raging bushfires delayed qualifying last week and
left several players with coughs and breathing problems, but air quality has
improved in recent days.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1034 hrs