Taylor Fritz, an American tennis player, vows to contribute the earnings from the Australian Open to aid the relief efforts for the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Taylor Fritz, an American tennis player, has joined the ranks of athletes donating to the relief funds for the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles region.

On Thursday, Fritz, 27, announced that he would be donating the $82,000 prize money he earned from his first-round victory at the Australian Open towards relief funds.

Fritz stated, "I believe it's the minimum I can do."

Fritz, who was born in Rancho Santa Fe, California, remains based in the state.

"Clearly, I have always called 'SoCal' my home. Although I still spend a considerable amount of time in LA, I lived there for an extended period. My friends were affected, but my family was not as much. Unfortunately, my brothers' childhood home burned down. It's evident that they no longer reside there," Fritz stated after winning the third round at Melbourne Park with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 victory over qualifier Cristian Garín of Chile.

"Many individuals are impacted by it. If you're in a position to assist, then you ought to."

At least 27 people have died and thousands of homes have been destroyed in what is on track to become the nation's costliest fire disaster, with no cause determined by authorities yet.

There are other tennis players from the Los Angeles area, besides Fritz, participating in the Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time major champion, stated that she dispatched someone to obtain her 1 ½ year-old daughter's birth certificate from their California residence in the event it was lost in the fires.

Tristan Boyer, a 23-year-old from California, who won in the first round but lost on Thursday, stated that his father had to evacuate their home in Altadena.

"Boyer stated that it is devastating to see friends and family who are now homeless. Despite the challenges, he is trying to focus on what he can control in the present moment while preparing for tennis. However, it is difficult to ignore the situation."

On Saturday, Fritz, the No. 4 ranked player in the tournament, will face Gaël Monfils in the third round, but his thoughts will remain preoccupied with events at home.

"I just want everyone to obviously stay safe," Fritz said.

"It's just insane what happened."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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