Australian officials to monitor air quality as bushfires continue

Australian officials will be monitoring air quality as the season begins Down Under amid heat and smoke from bushfires.

Sydney, one of the three sites where the ATP Cup will be held, is among the most affected.

"We have got medical experts on site during the tournament who will be advising in relation to conditions and ensuring that it is safe for players to play and also safe for our fans and our ball boys and staff," ATP Cup Sydney tournament director Tom Larner said.

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The tournament has also built a new canopy roof over its stadium, which will help lower temperatures. Sydney action will begin on Friday with Belgium taking on Moldova and Great Britain facing Bulgaria.

Grigor Dimitrov seems unfazed by the haze.

"If it's not healthy, it's not healthy," he said."It's the passion that drives us through moments like that."

The ATP Cup is also being played in Brisbane and Perth, with a WTA event also going on in Brisbane.