Tennis Players Show Support for LA Wildfire Victims

American tennis player Taylor Fritz is donating his Australian Open first-round prize money to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts, joining other players in showing solidarity with the affected community.

Fritz Supports Wildfire Relief Efforts

American tennis player Taylor Fritz made a generous gesture after advancing to the third round of the Australian Open. Following his dominant 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin, Fritz announced that he would be donating his first-round prize money to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

Fritz's Donation and Message

Fritz, who resides in California, expressed his concern for those affected by the wildfires. “I just want everyone to obviously stay safe, it's just insane what has happened,” he said. Fritz's donation of Aus$132,000 (£67,000) will go towards providing aid to those impacted by the devastating wildfires. “I'm going to be donating my first-round prize money to LA wildfire relief funds,” he announced.

Fritz's Personal Connection and Call to Action

Fritz's decision to support the relief efforts is deeply personal, given his connection to Southern California. "It's really the least I can do. Southern California is my home and LA was my home for a long time," he explained. Fritz encouraged others to contribute to the relief efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for support. “I'm just doing what I can possibly do to help and I would encourage anyone else who can donate to help because a lot of people really need it.”

Devastating Wildfires Rage On

Deadly wildfires have been ravaging the city for over a week, fueled by hurricane-force gusts that have claimed the lives of two dozen people and left large areas in ruins.

Tennis Players Show Support

Several tennis players, including Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula, have expressed their shock and admiration for the firefighters battling the blazes. Madison Keys, a former LA area resident, donated $20,000 to the city's fire department, stating, “in support of the incredibly brave firefighters working tirelessly to protect the community.” Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula, founder of the dog rescue charity A Lending Paw, has been using her online platform to share ways to help the hundreds of animals displaced by the fires.

Naomi Osaka's Personal Connection

Naomi Osaka, who represents Japan but resides in Los Angeles, revealed on Monday that the wildfires were perilously close to her home, saying, “wildfires were 'three blocks' from her house.” Osaka's personal connection to the crisis highlights the severity of the situation and the widespread impact on the community.