World no. 4 tennis player Taylor Fritz announced on Thursday that he plans to donate his first-round prize money of $82,000 from the Australian Open to support those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.
The California resident disclosed this after he advanced to the third round in Melbourne, where he defeated Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin in an emphatic straight sets win, 6-2 6-1 6-0.
The prize money for the first round amounts to Aus$132,000 ($82,000 USD).
“I want everyone to stay safe; it’s just unbelievable what has happened,” said the 27-year-old.
“I’ll be donating my first-round earnings to L.A. wildfire relief efforts.
“It’s truly the least I can do. Southern California is my home, and I spent a long time in LA.
“I’m doing whatever I can to assist and would urge anyone else who is able to contribute to do so, as many people are in desperate need.”
Numerous other athletes, including Coco Gauff, Donna Vekic, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula, have voiced their shock and commended firefighters for their diligent work.
Former L.A. area resident Keys has contributed $20,000 to the city’s fire department to support the relief effort.
Pegula, who founded the dog rescue charity A Lending Paw, has been sharing information on how to assist the hundreds of animals displaced by the fires with her online followers.
Naomi Osaka, who represents Japan but resides in Los Angeles, said on Monday that the wildfires were near her home.
The devastating fires began over a week ago, exacerbated by the Santa Anna force winds, resulting in the deaths of two dozen individuals and leaving vast sections of the city in ruins.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
