Donna Vekic will begin her 2025 season without a key member of her team as devastating wildfires in Southern California have forced Pam Shriver, her advisor and coach, to remain in the United States.

The deadly fires have ravaged the Los Angeles area since Tuesday, burning more than 38,000 acres, killing 16 people and forcing nearly 180,000 residents to evacuate. According to media estimates, over 12,000 structures were destroyed or damaged.

Shriver, an International Tennis Hall of Fame member who has worked with Vekic since 2022, shared the news on social media and explained her decision to stay home to meet her family obligations.

“The MVP athletes responsible for hitting fire targets with water from helicopters and airplanes have demonstrated exceptional hand-eye skills,” she wrote.

The former double world number one and all those affected were the most important thing for Vekic, the Olympic silver medalist, on Sunday, on the first day of the Australian Open, after her 6:4, 6:4 victory over France’s Diane Parry, her first victory Season.

“It’s a very difficult situation for them,” No. 18 seed Vekic said in her post-match press conference. “She’s home in LA. Their house is fine at the moment, but so many have lost everything and it’s a terrible situation.”

Vekic also sent a message of love to the city on the court after her win, writing “LA” and a heart on the lens of a television camera.

“We did our preseason in LA this year, so we were only there two weeks ago,” Vekic said, “so I really can’t believe what’s happening. We are very sad that she is not here with us… We really miss her.” We are in touch here every day and I hope everything will be fine.

Other Hologic WTA Tour stars, including Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula, have lent their voices to the choir and provided resources to help those affected.

“I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this fire,” Gauff said before the tournament began, supporting Tennis Channel’s relief efforts in collaboration with the Salvation Army. “I send my deepest thanks to the firefighters and first responders who are out there fighting these fires, especially the incarcerated firefighters who aren’t getting paid as much. “We appreciate you and we love you.

“Stay strong, Southern California. They just know that I will be there to support, donate and help rebuild.”

Pegula, founder of dog rescue organization A Lending Paw, has shared ways to help the hundreds of animals displaced by the fires in the information she shares with her online followers.

After beating Pegula to win the season-opening Adelaide International, the former Los Angeles resident announced she would donate $20,000 to the city’s fire department “to support the incredibly brave firefighters who work tirelessly.” “To protect the community” and to support them in their efforts.

Keys also said her own charity, the Kindness Wins Foundation, is exploring additional options to help with the region’s eventual recovery and rebuilding.

“I am heartbroken by the devastation the fires have caused in Los Angeles, a place I once called home early in my tennis career,” Keys wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts are with all the families affected. Please stay healthy.”