Americans Gauff & Pegula dedicate wins to LA

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, both from the U.S., dedicated their first-round victories at the Australian Open to Los Angeles and the firefighters battling the city's devastating wildfires.

Gauff, who triumphed 6-3 6-3 over Sofia Kenin, wrote "stay strong LA, thank you firefighters" on the camera lens. Pegula, with a dominant 6-3 6-0 win over Maya Joint, drew "LA" and a love heart on the lens.

Poland's Iga Swiatek also expressed support for Malibu and LA following her victory.

The wildfires, which started on January 7, have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 more people still missing. Donna Vekic, coached by American Pam Shriver, also sent her condolences after her win.