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‘It’s insane’ – Taylor Fritz confirms he will give away Australian Open prize money in heartwarming gesture

Open‘It’s insane’ – Taylor Fritz confirms he will give away Australian Open prize money in heartwarming gesture

Taylor Fritz has pledged to give away all of his first round winnings.

The American No.1 is into the third round of the Australian Open and made the heart-warming announcement following his match.

After winning his second round match, Fritz revealed he would be donating his prize money from his first round match to aid the relief effort in his native LA

Fourth seed Fritz donating his prize money from his win over Jenson Brooksby to support victims from the Los Angeles wildfires.

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The fires began on January 7 and have killed 25 people along with more than 12,000 homes, businesses, schools and other structures being destroyed.

The American, who lives in Southern California and was born in San Diego, has been among the many who have had to watch the horrors unfold from a distance.

Speaking after beating Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2 6-1 6-0 in the second round, Fritz said: “I just want everyone to stay safe, it’s insane what happened.

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“I’m going to be donating my first round prize money to LA wildfire relief funds.

“It’s really the least I could do. Southern California’s my home and LA was my home for a very long time so I’m just doing what I can do to help. I would encourage anyone else who can donate to help too because a lot of people really need help.”

Players earn 132,000 Australian dollars from the first round which is $82,000 or £67,000.

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The 27-year-old wrote “LA” and drew a love heart on a camera lens as he left the court after his latest win, which lasted just one hour and 22 minutes. 

Fritz, who lost to Jannik Sinner in the US Open final last year, has never reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

Arriving in Melbourne with a career-high ranking of four, he is enjoying the best tennis of his career with two ATP titles last year and reaching the World Finals in November.

Fritz won with ease and is through to the third round in Australia
As he left the court he let those in LA know they are not far from his heart
AFP

According to Infosys Stats, Fritz clipped 24 winners to nine and won 80% of first-serve points along with 60% of his second-serve points.

“It always feels great to come out and play a match like that,” the 27-year-old added after his match.

“I played well in the first round too, so I’m high in confidence going into the third round. This is awesome.”

The American now sets up a clash with world No.41 Gael Monfils in the third round, the Frenchman is on hot-form having recently won the Auckland Open.

The pair have history in Melbourne with their last match coming in the second round of the Australian Open, a clash which Fritz would win 63 67(8) 76(6) 76(5).

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