New Delhi: Croatian tennis star Donna Vekic came up with a lovely gesture for the people of Los Angeles after securing a victory in her first-round clash against Diane Perry at the Australian Open 2025 on Sunday, January 12. Vekic opened her campaign with a victory on Day 1 of the first Grand Slam of the year.
She got the better of Parry 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets to progress to the next round. Following her victory, Vekic sent out a message to the victims of the LA wildfires by extending her support with a great gesture. The 28-year-old sent a message of strength to the people of LA by signing a camera with the message – “LA” and a heart emoji after her victory.
Donna Vekic signs the camera with a message to the Los Angeles wildfire victims after her win at the Australian Open:
“❤️ LA” pic.twitter.com/VIj27humoU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 12, 2025
The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused havoc in the city over the last few days, destroying hundreds of houses while leaving at least 11 dead. The rescue operations are still underway with many believed to be still stuck in the wildfires. Several notable celebrities, including LA Lakers head coach JJ Reddick, have lost their homes in the wildfires.
Vekic’s co-coach Pam Shriver decided to not travel to Australia with her and returned to her home in Los Angeles to be with her family in the current testing times amid wildfires carnage in the city. The Croatian ensured Shriver’s absence was not felt as she made light work of Perry in the opener round at the Australian Open on Sunday.
.@DonnaVekic begins her campaign with a win, defeating Parry 6-4, 6-4 👏#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/88nwZqI6gy
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2025
I cannot believe what’s happening: Vekic on LA wildfires
Vekic, who reached her maiden semi-final at Wimbledon last year, said she is continuously in touch with her coach Shriver and is finding it difficult to believe what has been happening in Los Angeles. Vekic trained in LA with Shriver before heading to Australia for the ongoing tournament. The Croatian star hoped normalcy would return in Los Angeles soon.
“We were doing our pre-season in L.A. this year, so we were just there two weeks ago. So I really cannot believe what’s happening. We are very sad that she’s not here with us. We are in touch daily, and I hope everything will be okay,” Vekic said in a press conference after her victory in the first round.
Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic came up with a lovely gesture for LA wildfire victims as she paid tribute to them after securing a victory in her first-round clash at the Australian Open 2025 on Sunday. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
