13
Jan
Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula dedicated their Australian Open first-round wins to Los Angeles and the firefighters who have been tackling the devastating wildfires. Third seed Gauff, one of the favourites for the title in Melbourne, beat compatriot and 2020 champion Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-3. Gauff wrote “stay strong LA, thank you firefighters” on the camera lens after her victory. She and Taylor Fritz have previously donated to a charity effort to help those affected. Seventh seed Pegula wrote “LA” and drew a love heart on the lens after her dominant 6-3 6-0 victory over Australian wildcard Maya Joint.…