Taylor Fritz donating Australian Open R1 prize money to Los Angeles wildfire relief funds, previews Monfils clash

Taylor Fritz is giving back to a city that has meant so much to him.

On Thursday, the world No. 4 announced the prize money earned from his first-round win at the Australian Open over Jenson Brooksby—about $82,000—would be donated to wildfire relief funds in Los Angeles. Fritz shared the news following a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Cristian Garin to reach the third round.

“It’s really the least I can do. Southern California is my home and L.A. was my home for a very long time,” he said. “So I’m just doing what I can possibly do to help.”

California Wildfires Relief: How you can help

From Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka to qualifier Tristan Boyer of Altadena and former NCAA champion at UCLA Marcos Giron, Fritz is part of a tennis family well connected to communities that have been devastated by the tragic blazes.

“It’s just insane what happened,” the 27-year-old reflected.

Amid the harrowing scene unfolding back in his country, Fritz has managed to sail through his first two matchups at Melbourne Park. Against Garin, the 2024 US Open finalist did not face a break point while capitalizing on seven against the Chilean’s serve to progress after just 82 minutes.

The routine victory booked Fritz a showdown with red-hot Gael Monfils. The Frenchman, who came into the season's first major with the Auckland trophy in hand, when eliminated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (3), for his seventh consecutive win.

“Gael first off is a great guy. I get along really well with him,” shared Fritz. “He’s been playing great, just won a title. Super happy for him. He’s always a fan favorite.”

The two have met just once, six years ago at this very event when the American came through a tight four-set encounter in the second round.