Naomi Osaka Reveals Harrowing LA Wildfire Ordeal and Desperate Effort to Save Daughter Shai’s Birth Certificate

The LA wildfires continue to break hearts. The tennis community is sending thoughts and prayers to those facing this devastation. Some players, like Naomi Osaka, feel the pain of being away from loved ones in LA while competing in the 2025 Australian Open. Osaka, who lives in Beverly Hills, watches from afar as her city erupts into flames. Reports indicate that over 10,000 buildings have collapsed, displacing more than 150,000 people and resulting in losses exceeding $8 billion. But what can Osaka do besides pray from the other side of the world?

Currently in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the year, Osaka successfully fought past her first opponent, Caroline Garcia, with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win. Yet, she undoubtedly feels anxious about her family’s safety during this tough time. In a post-match interview, she shared her worries: “I was watching the fire map, and the fire is 3 blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughter’s birth certificate and all that because I didn’t know what would happen if that burned down.” To show her support, she wrote “I heart LA” on the courtside camera.

One can’t fathom the stress this player must be under. Traveling the world and playing back-to-back matches is tough enough. Adding the unimaginable stress of a fire so close to home only compounds her anxiety. She admitted she didn’t know “how devastating” the fires would be but remains optimistic, sending love to those back home. “I just hope everyone is doing well and I’m sending them all my love,” she said. The player has openly expressed the difficulty of being away from her daughter, Shai, while on tour, revealing that she calls her every day.

While being a mother away from her child during this tough time, Naomi Osaka has persevered. She’s advancing to the next round of the Australian Open to take on Karolina Muchova in her quest for the title. Meanwhile, other players and insiders have shared their struggles of being away during these wildfires. Social media influencer and girlfriend of ATP’s Taylor Fritz, along with a former coach of Coco Gauff, Brad Gilbert, have expressed gratitude for their families’ safety back home.

Tennis insiders express their emotions during the LA wildfires while away from home

Before arriving in Melbourne, Brad Gilbert took to X to share a concerning weather forecast for Melbourne. He noted that heavy rain was expected on Day 1, which could lead to significant match delays. “Melbourne, Australia Hourly Weather Forecast | Weather Underground still getting used to Sunday start ⁦@AustralianOpen going to be tricky weather day this afternoon,” he wrote on January 12. As Gilbert discussed the weather, fans were curious about his family’s safety back in California, where wildfires are raging. Fortunately, he confirmed, “Knock ✊ on wood 🪵 family is safe 🙏.”

Meanwhile, Morgan Riddle is in Australia with her boyfriend, Taylor Fritz, who begins his campaign against fellow American Jenson Brooksby on January 14. While Riddle is excited to cheer for Fritz, she can’t ignore the wildfires devastating Los Angeles. She expressed her feelings on Instagram, saying, “Taylor & I are grateful to be safe but just completely heartbroken and devastated for our community.” Fritz echoed her sentiments, stating, “It’s insane to see everything going on, especially while I’m away. I mean, everyone that’s in L.A., stay safe.” He urged fans to support wildfire relief efforts by donating if possible.

As Los Angeles battles devastating wildfires, athletes and sports communities are uniting to offer support for what may become the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history. While competing at the Australian Open, tennis players remain deeply affected by the situation back home, expressing heartfelt gratitude and a commitment to help those in need.