American tennis star Coco Gauff has sent a message to Los Angeles residents facing the devastating wildfires that ravaged the area last week.
Gauff beat Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday. She then wrote some words of encouragement on the camera lens located near the court.
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American Coco Gauff salutes after defeating compatriot Sofia Kenin in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, January 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“Stay strong LA,” she wrote. “Thank you firefighters!”
Fires in Los Angeles have killed at least two dozen 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. Her best result at the Australian Open came last year when she 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. (PK Press Club Digital/Ashley Carnahan)
Fire crews monitor the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon 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 against Kenin.
“I knew it was going to be tough, but you know I’m happy with the way I played,” she said of the one-hour, 20-minute win over Kenin, who at 81st rank, is a much tougher opponent. than its ranking suggests.
“I mean (I) could serve better, but like on that side, I had trouble seeing the ball,” Guaff said, pointing to a backline of the sun-drenched main court. “So I’m just happy I was able to get through it.”
American Coco Gauff, left, is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin after their first round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, January 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Gauff will play Jodie Burrage in the next round.
