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Following Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, Taylor Fritz also sent a message to the Los Angeles wildfire victims after earning victories in their Australian Open first-round matches. Fritz got the better of Jenson Brooksby in straight sets dropping only five games in the tie.
On Tuesday, January 14, Fritz commenced his Australian Open campaign against the returning Brooksby. The 24-year-old American was out of Grand Slam action for two years due to injuries and a suspension for allegedly missing three doping tests.
Brooksby's return was cut short by his compatriot as Fritz breezed past him. At one point, the 2024 US Open finalist won 11 games in a row to register a 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 victory.
After the match, Taylor Fritz was spotted signing the camera, writing:
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"[heart] LA"
The World No. 4 joins several tennis stars who have shown support for victims of the LA wildfire. Coco Gauff defeated Sofia Kenin in her first-round match at the Melbourne Slam and signed the camera with:
"Stay strong L.A. Thank you firefighters."
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek also signed a message of support on camera after winning her first-round clash against Katerina Siniakova:
"Sending my love to Malibu and LA."
Naomi Osaka also expressed her concern for the victims of the LA wildfires, noting that her residence is near the affected area. She revealed that she had even asked someone to retrieve her daughter's birth certificate from their LA home as a precaution against potential disaster.
Wildfires in Greater Los Angeles have killed at least 24 people and burned 40,000 acres, destroying over 12,300 structures.
Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz send emotional messages from the Australian Open for LA wildfire victims
In a heartfelt video shared by the Tennis Channel, Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff extended their support to those affected by the devastating LA wildfires. Fritz urged residents in evacuation zones to prioritize their safety and praised the firefighters for their heroic efforts.
"It is insane to see everything going on, especially while I'm away. But, everyone in LA, stay safe. Make sure to evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone. To all the firefighters are doing an amazing job so thank you to everyone that's helping out. Make sure you donate if you are able to. Stay strong everyone and thank you everyone that's doing their best to put out the fires," Fritz said.
Gauff also expressed her thoughts and prayers for the victims, acknowledging the sacrifices of first responders.
"First I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this fire and send my biggest thank yous to the firefighters and first responders fighting these fires. Especially the incarcerated firefighters who aren't getting paid as much. We appreciate you and love you. Stay strong Southern california. Just know I'll be there to donate and help," Gauff said.
The American stars have reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. Coco Gauff will face Jodie Burrage while Taylor Fritz has lined up an exciting encounter with qualifier Cristian Garin.
