Australian Open organisers insisted the first Grand Slam of the season will go ahead on Monday – even if it has to be played indoors.
The hazardous smoke haze from bushfires caused qualifying to be delayed and cancelled earlier this week – and whipped up a storm of criticism from players.
Melbourne residents were urged to stay indoors earlier this week when Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic retired from her match with a coughing fit.
A southerly wind brought cooler air and temperatures into the Victorian capital on Thursday and Harriet Dart won through to the third round with a 6-2 6-3 win over American Nicole Gibbs.
There are three indoor courts on Melbourne Park to stage matches if the weather and atmosphere gets worse and exceeds safety limits.
And bullish Australian Open director Craig Tiley said: “There is a lot of speculation about the Australian Open not happening or starting later. The Australian Open is happening.
“We do have three environments in which we can compete in. It may look differently but it will happen.
“If we had to work it out ( and play indoors) we would and we don’t expect that to happe.n
“Will it start and finish on time? Yes. The weather forecast looks good. I am looking forward to it starting on Monday.”
Tiley added: “Absolutely we understand the anger. A lot of it comes in the confusion and the complexity of understanding what goes on.
"I do think air quality for sport and for tennis is a conversation we're going to have more of in the future. It is potentially the new normal.”
