Australian Open 2025: Taylor Fritz to donate first-round prize money to Los Angeles wildfire relief funds
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz said he will donate his Australian Open first-round prize money to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
The fire, which started on January 7, has killed at least 25 people and has been labeled a “hardest hit area”. The most devastating in the city’s history.
American Fritz has been promised a first-round bonus of A$132,000 (£67,000) after beating Chilean qualifier Christian Garin to reach the third round on Thursday.
“I just hope everyone is safe, it’s crazy what happened,” the 27-year-old said.
“I will be donating my first round winnings to the Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund.
“It’s the least I can do. Southern California is my home, Los Angeles has been my home for a long time, so I just try to help out in any way I can.”
Fritz, who lost to Jannik Sinner in last year’s US Open final, wrote “Los Angeles” and drew a heart on the camera after beating Garin 6-2 6-1 6-0 in Melbourne.
The world number four will face French veteran Gael Monfils in the third round.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka revealed on Monday, Wildfire just three blocks from her home.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek also dedicated their first-round wins to Los Angeles and the firefighters who have been working to put out the fires.
