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Desert Smash, the starry tennis event that pairs Grand Slam champions and Hollywood stars on the court in the name of philanthropy, has announced that this year’s games will benefit the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund.
The 21st annual match returns to the newly-renovated La Quinta Resort & Club on March 3 and 4 and tickets are now available to buy online at desertsmash.com. Among the tennis pros confirmed to play are Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios, Ons Jabeur, Barbora Krejčíkova, Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune, with more to be revealed. The two-day fundraiser will include the second annual pickleball challenge co-hosted by four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka and seven-time ATP champ Kyrgios.
Luxury cookware brand HexClad will partner with the charity event to provide a culinary experience for guests; 2025 sponsors also include Maestro Dobel Tequila, Herbalife, electric vehicle maker Rivian, Head sportswear, Mecum Auctions, Thatcher’s Wine, Roar Organic, Boast, Mountain Valley Water, Suntory All-Free brewing company, VCR Group, Zenyara, LumiVitae, Subject, MVA Experiential, Interior Branding California, Benvolio, BC.Games, Miami Pickleball Club, Inner Game AI and more.
Last year’s Desert Smash saw Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron (and tennis superfan) play doubles with surprise guest Novak Djokovic in support of her charity, Africa Outreach Project. Previous participants have included Serena Williams, Will Ferrell, Casper Ruud, Justin Bieber and Kevin Hart. The cause-driven match coincides with the BNP Paribas Open that takes place at nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden this year from March 2 to 16.
“We couldn’t be prouder to support the WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund as our official beneficiary for Desert Smash in March! We are hard at work planning another engaging event focused on raising a ton of money to support all the amazing work they do,” says Desert Smash founder Ryan Macaulay in a statement.
Adds WTA Foundation executive director Ann Austin, “Our ultimate goal at the WTA Foundation is to unite the tennis community in a way that truly transforms lives. With the support of the Gates Foundation and UNICEF, this year’s Desert Smash will offer a platform for fans to make a meaningful impact. We firmly believe that every woman and girl deserve access to essential health and nutrition, and we are excited to bring more critical resources to address this global issue.”
Since its founding in 2004, the event has raised over $3.6 million for charities including Africa Outreach Project, Playing for Change Foundation, Sophie’s Voice Foundation, Cancer for College, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Yetunde Price Resource Center.
Tickets for Desert Smash 2025 are now available from $320 for seats to $10,292 for VIP tables; learn more and buy online at desertsmash.com.
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