SYDNEY, Jan. 7 -- Dense bushfire smoke is threatening the start of the Australian Open with a potentially hazardous fog lingering over Melbourne less than a fortnight before the competition begins.

On Monday afternoon, the city's air quality was downgraded from 'very poor' to 'hazardous', prompting health warnings from authorities.

The smoke comes from widespread fires which continue to rage in Victoria's East Gippsland region.

World No. 2 and seven-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic expressed his concerns about the air quality in Melbourne, saying that players and officials would meet to discuss a possible delayed start to the tournament.

However, Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley responded by saying that he is confident the event will go ahead as planned.

"We have committed substantial extra resources to analysis, monitoring and logistics to ensure the health and safety of all players, staff and fans throughout the summer and have no other plans to move events," Tiley said.

Women's world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty said that there were bigger issues than the delaying of the tournament by a couple of days, and that health and safety would have to come first.

"First and foremost, the reason that there is smoke in the air is what's most devastating at the moment for our country," the Australian said.

"It's just a really tough time. Tennis is a sport, it's a game that we play, and there are certainly a lot of bigger things going on in Australia right now that we need to take care of."

【体坛英语资讯：Bushfire smoke threatens Australian Open in Melbourne】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Risqu business: Kylie as shes never been seen before

★ 体坛资讯：Yang wins all-around at Chinas gym championship

★ 体坛英语资讯：Barcelonas title hopes take a hit with injuries

★ 体坛英语资讯：Gatlin hires Landis lawyer to fight ban

★ 体坛英语资讯：Djokovic tames Tsonga, Sun crowned with Serbian partner

★ 体坛资讯：Chinese gymnast Wang on track of sentience recovery

★ 体坛资讯：China prepare for Asian Cup semi-final showdown: coach

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Madonna, Guy Ritchie spend unromantic holiday

★ 体坛资讯：Gay wins 100m in years fastest 9.84 sec

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hamilton wants to win title on track, not on appeal