Australian Open 2025: Taylor Fritz keeps LA firefighters in his heart, donates round one prize money to victims

Tennis star Taylor Fritz showcased his kind gesture off the field yet another time as the USA star has donated his $82,000 first-round prize money of the Australian Open 2025 to help the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, calling the devastation "fully insane." The star player, hailing from California, wins the heart with his heartfelt gesture after reaching the third round of the showpiece event.

Taylor Fritz toppled Cristian Garin by 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 in the second round and successfully made it to the third round of the marquee event at Margaret Court Arena on Thursday. The star player showcased his great form in the first set and later continued to mark the straight-set win over the Chilean star.

Also Watch: Eva Lys’s emotional celebration after stellar 2nd round win in Australian Open 2025

LA was my home for a long time: Taylor Fritz

After the stellar win in 2nd round, Fritz hopes for safety in LA. He further revealed that he is donating his first-round money to LA Wildfire relief funds and further said that LA was his hometown for the long period. The American star further urged the fans and tennis fraternity to come up and donate the money, as some people in Los Angeles are really in need of that.

After his second-round win, Taylor Fritz announced he would be donating his first-round #AusOpen prize money to LA wildfire relief funds. 💙 https://t.co/6llYEuw7TH

— TENNIS (@Tennis) January 16, 2025

"I just want everyone to obviously stay safe, it's just insane what has happened. I'm going to be donating my first-round prize money to LA wildfire relief funds. It's really the least I can do. Southern California is my home and LA was my home for a long time. I'm just doing what I can possibly do to help and I would encourage anyone else who can donate to help because a lot of people really need it," Fritz said.

It's worth mentioning that several key players, with the likes of Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur, Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula, have expressed their support to LA victims and their families after their resounding victories here at Melbourne Park.

Also Read: Alex de Minaur sends heartfelt support to Los Angeles amid wildfires after second-round win