Serena Williams sends emotional message as LA wildfires cripple Southern California with over $135 billion reported damages

Serena Williams shared an emotional message about the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, saying she was heartbroken. She sent her prayers and support to her family, friends, and everyone impacted by the tragedy.

Los Angeles is currently facing a series of catastrophic wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, significantly impacting the region. The most severe of these is the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 21,500 acres, destroyed more than 5,300 structures and resulted in at least 11 fatalities. The fire has prompted evacuation orders for over 150,000 residents, with areas such as Santa Monica and the Getty Center being affected.

According to an early estimate by private forecaster AccuWeather, total losses from the wildfire could climb to $150 billion, potentially making it one of the costliest in U.S. history, as reported by the BBC.

Devastated by the news, Williams took to X (formerly Twitter) on January 12 and wrote:

"[Broken heart emoji] Just praying praying incessantly, for my family and friends… And just everyone involved."

Serena Williams has a connection to Los Angeles. She and her sister Venus Williams grew up in Compton, a neighborhood in Los Angeles County, where they began playing tennis under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams.

Although the family later moved to Florida for better training opportunities, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has maintained ties to Los Angeles. She and Venus bought a seven-bedroom estate in Woodland Hills, California, for their mom, Oracene Price, in 2005. She lived there until it was sold in 2019.

Serena Williams joined by Coco Gauff & Taylor Fritz in mourning Los Angeles wildfires

Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz pictured at the 2025 United Cup | Image Source: Getty

Serena Williams isn’t alone in feeling heartbroken over the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Compatriots Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz have also expressed their sorrow over the catastrophe.

Ahead of their Australian Open campaigns, Fritz and Gauff gave separate interviews to the Tennis Channel. Fritz, a California native residing in Rancho Palos Verdes, said:

"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. 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."

Gauff added:

"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."