"If it continues the same way and quality of air is affected in Sydney I think Tennis Australia will be forced to create some rules about it.

"It is tough for them because the schedule has to be respected,the Australian Open starts at a certain time so there are a lot of things involved.

"But a health concern is a health concern for anybody."

Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues in tournaments in China but admitted the bushfires that had ravaged Australia had created something unprecedented.

"I know in China the playing conditions are very tough in terms of quality of air but this is something different – I have never had this kind of experience before,"he said.

"We will see. I hope it is going to dissipate but if it stays like that,we have a council meeting in a week or 10 days and we will discuss that[air quality measures] for sure if the conditions stay the same."

ATP Council vice-president Anderson said he was not sure of what measures would be introduced to protect players from poor air quality.

But he hinted at an air quality index being used at Sydney's ATP Cup Finals and the Australian Open as a gauge to indicate whether it was safe for players to compete.

"First and foremost it has been so sad to see everything that has been going on,to see the extent of it[bushfires],"Anderson said.

"A distant second is the air quality and us being able to perform.

"But it is hazardous. I think that is one of the concerns.

"Hopefully it won't be an issue but if it is we will definitely need to have that conversation about whether it is dangerous to be out there."

AAP