The wildfires raging across Los Angeles have left many devastated, with countless communities affected. Members of the tennis world have extended their thoughts and prayers to those suffering from the destruction. Naomi Osaka, currently competing in the 2025 Australian Open, has expressed her personal heartbreak as she monitors the devastation from afar. Osaka, who resides in Beverly Hills, is deeply concerned for her family and home as flames spread across her city.
The fires have reportedly destroyed over 10,000 buildings, leaving more than 150,000 people displaced and causing an estimated $8 billion in damages. While Osaka competes on the other side of the world, she feels helpless beyond offering prayers and love.
Despite her personal anxieties, Osaka secured a hard-fought victory in her first-round match against Caroline Garcia, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. However, she admitted during a post-match interview that her mind is still with her loved ones back home. “I was watching the fire map, and the fire is 3 blocks from my house. I had someone retrieve my daughter’s birth certificate and other important documents because I wasn’t sure what would happen if our house burned down,” she shared. To express her solidarity with her hometown, she wrote “I ❤️ LA” on the courtside camera after her match.
Osaka’s stress is palpable. Balancing the demands of professional tennis with the emotional toll of the fires has been challenging. She confessed she hadn’t fully realized the extent of the disaster but remains optimistic, sending positive thoughts to her community. “I just hope everyone is doing well, and I’m sending them all my love,” she said. The tennis star also revealed how difficult it is to be away from her daughter, Shai, whom she calls daily for comfort.
Osaka is not alone in her struggles. Many tennis professionals and insiders have shared their concerns about the fires. Brad Gilbert, a coach and commentator, recently confirmed his family’s safety but remains vigilant. Before the Australian Open began, Gilbert also commented on Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, warning about rain delays that could complicate the tournament schedule.
Taylor Fritz, another American tennis star, is also competing in Melbourne while his community in Los Angeles faces the wildfire crisis. Fritz’s girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, expressed her heartbreak on social media, sharing that while she and Fritz are safe in Australia, they are devastated by the destruction back home. Fritz echoed her sentiments, urging people to support relief efforts.
These wildfires are shaping up to be one of the most catastrophic in U.S. history, with widespread destruction and displacement. Even as athletes compete on the global stage, their thoughts remain with those affected, highlighting the unifying power of sport in the face of adversity.