'Literally devastating': Serena Williams left heartbroken by Australian bushfires

Serena Williams is auctioning a signed dress but the tennis superstar says she wants to do more to aid the Australian bushfire relief.

American legend Williams said she feels helpless when she hears about the impact of the fires on a country she has an affinity with and where she will play this month in pursuit of grand slam history.

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In the wake of her second-round win at Auckland's ASB Classic on Thursday, Williams confirmed she had placed a playing dress she wore this week on a Kiwi internet auction website. An early bid of $NZ1500 ($A1450) had been made.

She indicated she was open to other fundraising ideas.

"To me it means the world. I have so many friends in Australia and it's just been really tragic all around," she said.

"I just keep asking every day to people back home or in Australia, what can I do? Is there anything I can do? It's literally devastating for me and I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same way."

Williams, 38, can secure a record-equalling 24th grand slam title if victorious at the Australian Open in Melbourne for an eighth time.

Meanwhile, Auckland tournament organisers have auctioned a number of centre court seats, with those proceeds also going to the Australian Red Cross.

Tennis superstars pitching in for bushfire relief

As the Australian Open draws ever closer, more and more players visiting the country for the first Grand Slam of the season are finding creative ways to raise money.

Many, such as Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur, are donating a specific amount for every ace they serve - but Swiss player Belinda Bencic has found a creative way of utilising her serve to raise money.

Bencic isn’t known for having a dynamic serve - so instead, the world no.8 decided to kick in $200 for every double-fault she commits during the tournament.

“Although I’m not the best at hitting aces but much better at hitting double faults, I will donate $200 for every one I serve at my next tournaments,” Bencic tweeted.

“Like that, I won’t be angry at myself when I hit one and finally they will be useful.”

Bencic said on social media that her "heart is crying reading the news" about the devastation the bushfires have wreaked across Australia.

It’s a sentiment echoed across the sporting landscape in Australia, with millions of dollars raised from a raft of professional players and governing bodies.