Athletes Share Messages of Support
Stay strong LA. Thank you firefighters. – Coco Gauff
American Coco Gauff recently made tennis news when she dispatched her first-round Australian Open opponent, fellow American Sofia Kenin, and then wrote a message of support on the camera lens for fire-ravaged Los Angeles.
From Coco With Love
American tennis phenom Coco Gauff appears to be in fine form as she advanced in the first round of the Australian Open 2025 with a 6-3, 6-3, straight-set victory over her opponent, Sofia Kenin, who shocked Gauff 18 months ago in the first round at Wimbledon.
But it wasn’t so much Gauff’s anticipated victory over Kenin that made tongues wag; it was her message on the camera lens after her win that stole America’s hearts.
“Stay strong LA. Thank you firefighters,” wrote Gauff.
Coco Gauff sends a message to LA and the first responders from her match at the Australian Open 💙
(📽️: @AustralianOpen) pic.twitter.com/MPmswnLvr2
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 13, 2025
The wildfires raging in and around the Los Angeles area have devastated the landscape as well as the lives of the thousands whose homes have turned to ash in the blaze. As of this writing, there are 24 confirmed dead and billions of dollars in property damage. The apocalyptic event has not spared anyone in its wake, including athletes and celebrities who have felt the fire’s wrath.
Wildfires Spare No One
Former US tennis star Iga Swiatek, now the coach of Croatian sensation Donna Vekic, did not witness the Australian Open results for herself, as she is staying in a hotel room back in the States, having evacuated her home, which is in the path of the fiery menace.
Shriver posted to her Instagram: “Safe in a hotel in Marina Del Rey watching Ravens now and then Australian Open, where I was suppose to be working this week. I am feeling for all our friends who have lost their homes. Our house as of now still stands… for now.” 🙏
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“It’s a very difficult situation for her,” Vekic told reporters after beating France’s Diane Parry on Sunday. “She’s home in LA. Her house is OK for now, but so many have lost everything, and it’s a horrible situation.”
Poland’s world No. 2 Iga Swiatek earlier signed “sending my love to Malibu and LA,” while No. 7 seed Jessica Pegula wrote “LA” and drew a heart on the lens.
Iga Swiatek signs the camera after winning her first round match at the Australian Open:
“Sending my ❤ to Malibu and L.A.” pic.twitter.com/pYhanfiMTr
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
Naomi Osaka shared her personal experience as well, saying, “I was watching the fire map, and the fire is three blocks from my house,” Osaka said.
“I had someone go and get my daughter’s birth certificate because I didn’t know what would happen if that burned.
“I’m sending all my love to LA, and I know we hear about fires, but I didn’t know how devastating it could be. I hope everyone’s doing OK, and I’m sending them all my love.”
Naomi Osaka spoke about the L.A. wildfires after her 1st win at Australian Open since 2022
“I was watching the fire map and the fire is 3 blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughters birth certificate ❤️. I’m sending all my love to L.A.” 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
Whether it’s those athletes playing in Melbourne or the folks at home watching or betting on tennis, the LA wildfires are now America’s nightmare.
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