Melbourne (AFP) – American world number four Taylor Fritz said Thursday he will donate his $82,000 first-round prize money from the Australian Open to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, calling the devastation “insane”. Fritz, who lives in California, made the gesture after reaching the Melbourne third round by beating Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0. First-round prize money is Aus$132,000 (US$82,000).
“I just want everyone to obviously stay safe, it’s just insane what has happened,” said the 27-year-old. “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.”
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The deadly fires began more than a week ago, fanned by hurricane-force gusts that have left two dozen people dead and large areas of the city in ruins. Several other players, including Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula, have expressed shock and praised firefighters for their efforts.
One-time LA area resident Keys donated $20,000 to the city’s fire department “in support of the incredibly brave firefighters working tirelessly to protect the community.” Pegula, founder of the dog rescue charity A Lending Paw, has been sharing ways to help the hundreds of animals displaced by the fires to her online followers. Naomi Osaka, who represents Japan but lives in Los Angeles, said on Monday that wildfires were “three blocks” from her house.
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