Madison Keys' noble gesture towards helping LA wildfire victims during Australian Open stint revealed by American ex-pro

American ex-ATP star Steve Johnson recently spoke up about Madison Keys' concern for those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Johnson detailed an exchange that Keys had with his wife Kendall on the same day that she got her 2025 Australian Open title-winning run started.

Johnson, one of the co-hosts of the Nothing Major podcast along with John Isner, Jack Sock and Sam Querrey, was asked by Isner on a recent episode to share his thoughts on Keys' remarkable 2025 Australian Open title triumph. However, before talking about the 29-year-old's exemplary performances in Melbourne, Johnson lauded her for the person she is.

"I think most people realize that she's one of the nicest people on tour. She's always smiling, pretty bubbly around the courts. If you're in a bad mood, go find Madi and she'll lift your spirits," Johnson said. (at 4:22)

The former ATP No. 21 went on to talk about how Madison Keys wanted to help the people of LA in whatever capacity she could to provide relief as the fires ravaged numerous parts of the city.

"With everything that's been going on here in LA with the fires the last few weeks, she had posted, right before, you know, I think it was on the day of her match that she was going to be making a donation to the fire, kind of anything that she could do to help in the donation to the LAFD, and all the people who were battling the fires," Johson added.

The four-time ATP Tour-level singles titlist also revealed that his wife Kendall exchanged messages with Keys on the day of her first-round match at the 2025 Australian Open against Ann Li.

"My wife saw that and messaged her and was like, 'Hey wow! That is amazing because there's other things on your plate right now as you're about to go play your first round match at a Slam', it was the same day. She writes back to my wife Kendall, 'What can I do to help? Rackets, signs, events, whatever it is that I can do to help in getting some money to raise for these terrible fires and the fire department'," Johnson said.

In conclusion, the 35-year-old lauded Keys' sense of humanity, even as she was about to get a Grand Slam campaign underway.

"So, kudos to her first and foremost, because that is the person she is. She's always thinking about someone else, and to do that on the day of a match in Australia is very impressive," Johnson concluded.

Keys donated $20,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department and shared an update regarding her charitable act on social media.

"Heartbroken by the devastation" - Madison Keys on LA fires

Madison Keys (Source: Getty)

Ahead of her first-round match at the 2025 Australian Open, Madison Keys took to X (formerly Twitter) and announced her donation to the LAFD along with her feelings on the LA fires.

"I am heartbroken by the devastation being caused by the fires in Los Angeles, a place I once called home early in my tennis career. In support of the incredibly brave firefighters working tirelessly to protect the community, I am donating $20,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department to assist their efforts. Please join me in donating if you're able," Madison Keys wrote.

On the tennis front, Madison Keys has enjoyed a stellar resurgence so far in 2025. She started the season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she reached the quarterfinals. Next, at the Adelaide International, she won the title after coming out on top against compatriot and good friend Jessica Pegula in the final.

She maintained her momentum at the 2025 Australian Open, where she won against Danielle Collins, Elena Rybakina, Elena Svitolina, Iga Swiatek and finally Aryna Sabalenka to break her Grand Slam duck. Keys' previous final outing at a Major, at the 2017 US Open, culminated in heartbreak with a heavy defeat to Sloane Stephens.