Americans Gauff & Pegula dedicate wins to LA

Australian Open 2025

Dates: 12-26 January Venue: Melbourne Park

Los Angeles and the firefighters who have been battling the devastating wildfires, the hosts of the Australian Open, are the focus of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula’s first-round victories.

Third seed Gauff, one of the favourites for the title in Melbourne, beat compatriot and 2020 champion Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-3.

Gauff wrote “stay strong LA, thank you firefighters” on the camera lens after her victory.

She and Taylor Fritz have previously made donations to aid those in need in a charity.

After defeating Australian wildcard Maya Joint 6-3, 6 , and drew a love heart on the lens, seventh seed Pegula wrote “LA” and drew a love heart on the lens.

Iga Swiatek, the second-ranked polonasetter, earlier stated, “sending my love to Malibu and LA.”

The five-time Grand Slam champion began her Australian Open campaign with a 6-3 6-4 win over Czech Katarina Siniakova.

The fires, which began on 7 January, are being marked as the most destructive in the city’s history.

The LA County medical examiner reported on Sunday that at least 16 people have lost their lives in the fires, according to the LA County medical examiner.

Donna Vekic, who is coached by American Pam Shriver, also sent a message to the city after her first-round win on Sunday.