Sunday night in Sydney was meant to be a celebration. It marked the first night of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple. Families gathered at Bondi Beach. The mood was supposed to be joyful and peaceful. Instead, the night turned into tragedy.

A mass shooting occurred on Sunday, December 14, during a gathering of the Jewish community at Bondi Beach. According to reports, two gunmen, a father and son, opened fire on the crowd. Panic spread within moments, and residents were confronted with devastating news from Bondi Beach in Sydney. 

Authorities later found a nearby vehicle containing explosive devices, according to CNN. The discovery added to the fear and shock surrounding the scene. As the tragedy unfolded, the tennis world stood still, with players from both the WTA and ATP sides responding to the shocking incident.

The victims ranging from children as young as 10 and seniors up to 87 were caught in the attack. Latest confirmed data state that at least 15 people lost their lives. The scale of the loss left the world grieving.

Tennis players quickly reacted to the horrifying news. Amanda Anisimova shared a heartfelt Instagram post. She wrote: “When will it end.. was one of the thoughts. But we’ve been thinking that for far too long.. My prayers go out to all those affected.” She added Australian and American flag emojis.

Australian player Priscilla Hon, a close friend of Anisimova, also posted her reaction. She wrote, “Bondi 💔🇦🇺 😭.” Australia’s WTA No. 2, Daria Kasatkina, shared her emotions as well, posting a heartbreak emoji alongside the Australian flag.

Others beyond the court also responded. Morgan Riddle, girlfriend of Taylor Fritz, shared a message as she wrote, “my favorite place in the world, today feels so so dark. love you oz 🤍”. As tributes continued, more voices joined in mourning, and the sporting world paused in collective sorrow.

Alex de Minaur shares his reaction to the tragic incident

This tragedy hits especially hard as the tennis world prepares to arrive in Australia. The 2026 season begins in just weeks. Players are packing bags and planning for summer tennis. They expect sunshine and blue skies. Instead, they are watching a nation mourn together.

As the grief spread, players across the sport responded. Along with WTA players, fellow Australian Alex de Minaur shared his emotions. His words, “Heartbroken by the tragedy at Bondi. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected. Australia stands together” captured the mood felt across the country.

Condemnation also came from global leaders. King Charles III and Queen Camilla addressed the Bondi Beach shooting. They expressed their condolences in an official statement.

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“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community,” he said via the BBC.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, also addressed the nation with visible emotion. His words reflected the depth of national grief and the shock felt across the country following the horrific attack.

As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Albanese said, “The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare. There are nights that tear at the nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness, we must be each other’s light. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life.”

With the incident now passed, the pain remains raw. The focus turns to healing and unity. 

Thoughts remain firmly with the families who lost loved ones, and with a community trying to find strength after unimaginable loss.