Coco Gauff sends a 6-word message to those battling the LA wildfires after winning the Australian Open
American tennis star Coco Gauff sent a message to Los Angeles residents battling the devastating wildfires that ravaged the area last week.
Gauff beat Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the tournament Australian Open on Sunday. She then wrote a few words of encouragement on the camera lens near the field.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Coco Gauff of the US waves 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 LA, she wrote. “Thank you firemen!”
The blazes in Los Angeles killed at least twenty people, and the death toll is expected to rise every day.
Gauff is seeking her second career Grand Slam title after winning the WTA Finals in November. She achieved her best ranking at the Australian Open last year when she reached the semi-finals. However, she lost to Arya Sabalenka in two sets.
CALIFORNIA FIRES: IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM
The brick frame remains standing after the Eaton fire in Altadena, California. (Fox News 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 bodysuit and skirt as she cruised to victory over Kenin.
“I knew it was going to be tough going into it, but you know I’m happy with how I played,” she said of the one-hour-and-20-minute victory over Kenin, who at No. 81 is a much tougher opponent than her ranking suggests .
“I think (I) could have served better, but on that side I was struggling to see the ball,” Guaff said, pointing to one baseline on the sun-drenched main court. “So I’m just happy I got through it. “
Coco Gauff, left, of the United States is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin after their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Gauff will play Jodie Burrage in the next round.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports transmission on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
