American tennis star Coco Gauff sent a message to Los Angeles residents dealing with the devastating wildfires that have plagued the area over the past week.

Gauff defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday. She then wrote some words of encouragement on the camera lens near the court.

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“Stay strong LA,” she wrote. “Thanks to you firefighters!”

The fires in Los Angeles have killed at least two dozen people, and the death toll is expected to rise every day.

Gauff is looking for her second career Grand Slam title after winning the WTA Finals in November. Her best finish at the Australian Open came last year when she reached the semifinals. However, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.

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A brick frame remains after the Eaton fire in Altadena, California. (Pakinomist Digital/Ashley Carnahan)

Fire crews monitor the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The 2023 US Open winner wore a Marvel-inspired bodysuit and skirt as she triumphed over Kenin.

“I knew it was going to be tough going in, but you know, I’m happy with how I played,” she said of the one-hour, 20-minute win over Kenin, who is ranked No. 81 is a much tougher opponent. than her location suggests.

“I mean (I) could serve better, but like on that side, I was struggling to see the ball,” Guaff said, pointing to a sun-drenched main court baseline. “So I’m just glad I was able to get through it.”

Coco Gauff, left, of the United States is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin after their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Gauff will play Jodie Burrage in the next round.