American tennis star Coco Gauff won hearts of fans with a classy message for the Los Angeles firefighters who are trying to doze off a wildfire following her win at Australian Open 2025.

The 20-year-old, instead of just writing her name on camera, chose to send a message to LA and the firefighters as they deal with the devastating fires. Gauff wrote, “Stay strong LA, thank you firefighters,” . The death toll in the wildfires which wreaked havoc in California’s Los Angeles rose to 24 on Sunday with several people were still missing.

Earlier on the eve of Australia Open , Gauff had sent a video message in which she said, “First I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this fire and send my biggest thank yous to the firefighters and first responders fighting these fires,” she said.

“Especially the incarcerated firefighters who aren’t getting paid as much. We appreciate you and love you. Stay strong Southern California. Just know I’ll be there to donate and help.”

Coco Gauff crushes Sofia Kening to maintain her unbeaten start

Coco Gauff started her Australian Open tournament in a dominating fashion by sweeping aside former champion and fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena. The world number three, yet to taste defeat this year eased past the 2020 Melbourne Park winner 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes.

Kenin, who is ranked 74th in the world, could only convert one of her six break-point opportunities and had no answer to Gauff’s 28 winners. The 20-year-old Gauff had finished 2024 with a flourish by winning the China Open and the season-ending WTA Tour Finals. Recently she led US to United Cup victory.