They are elite athletes who captivate millions and icons on and off the court.
But it’s easy to forget that at their core the players at AO 2025 are just like the rest of us. As Coco Gauff reminds us, "I'm a human first before I'm a tennis player."
Behind the serves, the rallies, and the roaring crowds lies a story of hard work, humanity, and heart.
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Amid the talent and passion on the courts at Melbourne Park are players putting their energies into projects away from tennis as well as demonstrating kindness and generosity around the grounds.
No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz has used his success at Australian Open 2025 to support a cause close to his heart. The American chose to donate his first-round prize money to relief funds aiding those affected by the recent devastating and deadly wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.
Fritz explained his decision, saying he felt it was the least he could do.
“Obviously ‘SoCal’ has been my home forever," he said. "I still spend a lot of time in LA, but I lived in LA for quite a while. I have friends impacted, family not so much. I had some family have to evacuate. The house that my brothers grew up in burnt down."
The American also encouraged others to contribute if they can. “I feel like if you’re in a place to help, then you should,” he said.
During the AO, Carlos Alcaraz has been winning hearts with his kindness off the court.
However, it wasn’t just his charm alone captivating fans. The Spaniard made a new friend, Hot Shots Kid John Jones, who was stealing the spotlight.
John first captured viewers' attention during the coin toss at Alcaraz’s third-round clash against Nuno Borges at Rod Laver Arena. With cheers, jumps, and an enthusiastic skip off the court, John left the crowd smiling.
But the story didn’t end there. Alcaraz met John behind the scenes, taking him to the tournament’s official press conference room, chatting with the excited youngster along the way.
“I wish to see you, you know, playing on this beautiful court one day,” Alcaraz told John as they said goodbye. “I sure will,” John replied.
The wholesome interaction delighted fans, with videos of the moment amassing more than one million views online so far. Comments poured in, with many jokingly hoping that they’ll become “doubles partners” in the future.
Gauff, at just 20 years old, stands apart from many athletes in speaking out on issues of social justice.
Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who in 1961 was selected to integrate Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff advocates for meaningful change across a number of areas.
"People always say, sports and politics should stay separate and all this. And I say yes, but also at the same time I'm a human first before I'm a tennis player," she said.
Gauff began using her platform at just 16, making a powerful speech during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in her hometown of Delray Beach.
In 2022, after advancing to the final at Roland-Garros, she used the tradition of writing on the television camera lens to call for an end to gun violence in the U.S.
“It’s important, just as a person in the world, regardless of tennis player or not," she said at the time. "I think, for me, it was just especially important just being in Europe and being where I know people globally around the world are for sure watching."
READ: Five reasons we love Coco Gauff
Earlier this year, Gauff addressed the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for individuals to stay informed and demand action.
“I think it's important for us as privileged civilians to do our research and just continuing to demand our leaders to make change, and I will never not advocate for that,” she said.
Spanish player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has a deep love for animals and has consistently spoken out about Spain's significant issue with abandoned cats and dogs.
"For me, they are not toys. When I see a video of animals abandoned, I almost cry.”
Ranked world No.66, Davidovich Fokina has shared the small but meaningful ways he helps animals in his day-to-day life. Whenever he sees a stray, he makes a point to go to the store to get food for it. “And if it’s in bad shape,” he says, “I call a shelter.”
In 2021, Davidovich Fokina used his platform and (limited) spare time to launch Adoptas.org, an initiative in Spain dedicated to facilitating pet adoptions from shelters.
The platform also provides valuable resources to help people better understand the adoption process.