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Taylor Fritz Donates Australian Open Winnings to Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

In a commendable act of philanthropy, fourth-seeded tennis player Taylor Fritz has announced that he will donate his prize money from the first round of the Australian Open to assist those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

The wildfires, which ignited on January 7, have tragically claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals and are being described as the most devastating in the history of the city.

Following his victory against Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin, which propelled him into the third round, Fritz pledged to give away his earnings of 132,000 Australian dollars (approximately £67,000).

“I just want everyone to stay safe; it’s insane what happened,” the 27-year-old expressed after his match. He further emphasized his commitment by stating, “I’m going to be donating my first-round prize money to LA wildfire relief funds.

“It’s the least I can do. Southern California is my home, and LA was my home for a very long time, so I’m just doing what I can possibly do to help,” he added, highlighting the personal connection he feels to the community affected by the catastrophe.

In a touching gesture, after his commanding win of 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 over Garin at Melbourne Park, Fritz inscribed “LA” along with a heart on a camera lens, further showcasing his support for the city.

As he advances in the tournament, Fritz’s next challenge will be against seasoned French player Gael Monfils in the third round.

Similarly, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka shared that the wildfires came alarmingly close to her residence, being just three blocks away, adding a personal dimension to her experience with the crisis. In solidarity, fellow players such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Iga Swiatek have also dedicated their first-round victories to Los Angeles and the heroic firefighters working tirelessly to combat the flames.

Source
www.bbc.com