American tennis star Coco Gauff sent a message to Los Angeles residents dealing with the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the area over the past week.
Gauff defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday. He then wrote some words of encouragement on the camera lens near the court.
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Coco Gauff of the U.S. salutes after defeating compatriot Sofia Kenin in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“Stay strong in Los Angeles,” he wrote. “Thank you firefighters!”
The fires in Los Angeles have killed at least two dozen people and the death toll is expected to rise each day.
Gauff is seeking her second career Grand Slam title after winning the WTA Finals in November. His best result at the Australian Open came last year when he reached the semi-finals. However, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
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A brick frame remains standing after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. (Pak Gazette Digital/Ashley Carnahan)
Fire crews monitor the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The 2023 US Open winner wore a Marvel-inspired jumpsuit and skirt as she cruised to victory over Kenin.
“I knew it was going to be tough, but you know I’m happy with how I played,” she said of the hour-and-20-minute win over Kenin, who at No. 81 is a much tougher opponent. than its classification suggests.
“I mean I could serve better, but on that side I had a hard time seeing the ball,” Guaff said, pointing to a baseline on the main court that was bathed in sun. “So I’m happy I was able to get through it.”
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin after her first-round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Gauff will play Jodie Burrage in the next round.
