Tristan Boyer hopes Australian Open run brings joy to loved ones affected by California wildfires

Tristan Boyer checked in with Tennis Channel Live before playing the biggest match of his career at the Australian Open: the Altadena, California native is set to face top-ranked Aussie Alex de Minaur on Rod Laver Arena Thursday afternoon.

“I’m super excited,” said Boyer, who battled through qualifying and won his Grand Slam main-draw debut against Federico Coria. “I’ve never played on a stadium before, or a big one like that. I’m ready to go out there and just to my best to compete.

Read more: Altadena native Tristan Boyer is playing for something bigger, and concentrating harder

“I love playing tennis; it’s my favorite thing to do, so playing in an atmosphere like that, which is going to be super electric, I’m really excited for it. I’m just going to enjoy it and compete as hard as I can.”

The career-best result comes amid harrowing personal difficulty. Boyer’s hometown is at the epicenter of the continuing Los Angeles wildfires, which have left friends and loved ones without homes.

I love playing tennis; it’s my favorite thing to do, so playing in an atmosphere like that, which is going to be super electric, I’m really excited for it. I’m just going to enjoy it and compete as hard as I can. Tristan Boyer

“Altadena is one of my favorite places in the world,” said Boyer, 23. “I grew up there. It’s such a pretty place. Coming home after a long trip and seeing the beautiful mountains, getting to see my family and being in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The weather is always great. I love it so much and I’m devastated to hear about what happened.”

Though Boyer’s family home is as yet unaffected by the fires, his father was forced to evacuate late last week. The world No. 136 is in Melbourne with his mother and grandfather while his brother is at college farther north in Santa Cruz, California.

“I don’t think it’s really fully hit me yet, but when I go back and probably see it in person, it’s going to kill me, for sure. It’s my home and my favorite place in the world.”

Despite the incredible circumstances, Boyer is optimistic he can treat his first meeting against De Minaur like any other match with help from coach Alejandro Fabbri.

“[He’s] going to get into the real nitty-gritty with the data and tactics, try to transmit that to me in a way that’s simplified and helpful just like we’ve done for the last four matches.

“Obviously, when it comes time to prep for the match, I think about things I can control,” he added. “[The fire] isn’t really one of them. But when I’m out there, I’m thinking about doing well for my hometown and for people I love, it’s something that fuels me for sure.”