Chennai AQI 1556: Tennis Singles Open postponed after finalist blasts organisers over unhealthy pollution levels

PTC News Desk: As air pollution continues to worsen in different parts of India, outdoor sports events are also being affected. On Sunday, the final of the Chennai Open tennis tournament was postponed after thick smog covered the city. The AQI reportedly crossed 1,000, forcing organisers to delay the match between Indonesia's Janice Tjen and Poland's Magda Linette.

However, defending champion Janice Tjen has claimed that the organisers were not willing to postpone the match and wanted it to go ahead despite the dangerous pollution levels.

Tjen shared a video on Instagram showing how thick smog had reduced visibility in the city. She also shared an AQI reading of 1,556 and claimed that organisers wanted the players to compete despite the poor air quality.

The women's singles final was originally scheduled for 6:30 pm but was delayed several times due to rain. Organisers later moved it to 9 pm. However, smoke from Diwali firecrackers created visibility problems and made it difficult to breathe.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) then announced that the final would be played at 11 am on Monday, November 9, which was the tournament's reserve day. However, concerns remain over the air quality.

"Due to unforeseen weather conditions, the Women's Singles Final between Janice Tjen and Magda Linette has been postponed. The match will now take place tomorrow (November 9, 2026) at 11 am," the WTA said in a statement.

How air pollution affects outdoor sports ?

Severe air pollution is becoming a major problem for outdoor sports. It can make conditions unsafe for both players and spectators.

High levels of pollution reduce visibility and can cause breathing problems and put pressure on the heart. Athletes face greater risks because they breathe in more air during intense physical activity. Long-term exposure can also lead to serious health problems.

Pollution can also disrupt sporting events, affect players' performance and make conditions unfair for competitors. Organisers are often forced to choose between following the event schedule and protecting the health and safety of players and spectators.