Australian Open 2025
Dates: January 12-26 Place: Melbourne Park
Blanket: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast from 07:00 GMT on BBC 5 Sports Extra, as well as live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula dedicated their first round victories at the Australian Open in Los Angeles and to the firefighters who battled the devastating wildfires.
Third seed Gauff, one of the favorites for the title in Melbourne, beat compatriot and 2020 champion Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-3.
Gauff wrote “stay strong LA, thank you firefighters” on the camera lens after her victory.
She and Taylor Fritz have already donated to charity aimed at helping those affected.
Seventh seed Pegula wrote “LA” and drew a love heart on the goal after her dominant 6-3 6-0 victory over Australian wildcard Maya Joint.
Poland’s world number two, Iga Swiatek, earlier signed “Sending my love to Malibu and Los Angeles.”
The five-time Grand Slam champion began her Australian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Czech Katarina Siniakova.
The fires, which started on January 7, are identified as the most destructive in the history of the city.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner said Sunday that 24 people died in the fires, while at least 16 others remain missing.
Donna Vekic, coached by American Pam Shriver, also sent a message to the city after her first-round victory on Sunday.
Shriver remained in Los Angeles to support her family.
