Gauff defeated Sofia Kenin to start the tournament
Volunteers leap into action as Eaton fire spreads
Fox News correspondent Christina Coleman has updates on the Eaton fire’s destruction and donations in Altadena on ‘Fox Report.’
American tennis star Coco Gauff sent a message to Los Angeles residents dealing with the devastating wildfires plaguing the area over the last week.
Gauff defeated 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 near the court.
Coco Gauff of the U.S. waves after defeating compatriot Sofia Kenin in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
"Stay strong LA," she wrote. "Thank you firefighters!"
From @CocoGauff to LA 💙#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/4nXRtlqKUP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
The blazes in Los Angeles have killed at least two dozen people, with the death toll expected to rise each day.
Gauff is looking for her second career Grand Slam title after winning the WTA Finals in November. Her best finish at the Australian Open came last year when she reached the semifinals. However, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
A brick frame remains standing after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. (Fox News Digital / Ashley Carnahan)
Fire crews monitor the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The 2023 U.S. Open winner wore a Marvel-inspired bodysuit and skirt as she cruised to the win over Kenin.
"I knew going in it was going to be difficult, but you know I’m happy with how I played," she said of the one-hour, 20-minute win over Kenin, who at No. 81 is a much tougher opponent than her ranking suggests.
"I mean (I) could serve better, but like on that side I was struggling to see the ball," Guaff said, pointing to one baseline on the main show court that was bathed in sun. "So I’m just happy that I was able to manage through that."
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin following their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Gauff will play Jodie Burrage in the next round.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
