#USA #La Quinta #Desert Smash #USTA Foundation #Tennis Celebrities

Desert Smash Charity Tennis Event 2026

The Desert Smash, an illustrious charity tennis event, is set to take place on March 2-3, 2026, at the prestigious La Quinta Resort & Club. This marks the 22nd year of this legendary gathering that brings together Hollywood glitterati and tennis superstars, united for a noble cause.

After achieving an impressive $1.5 million in fundraising in 2025, Desert Smash aims to elevate its mission even further this year. The proceeds from this star-studded event will be directed towards the USTA Foundation, which is committed to transforming the lives of young people through the combined power of tennis, education, and mentorship.

Since its inception over two decades ago, Desert Smash has become synonymous with glamorous charity work, welcoming a cadre of notable figures including tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Frances Tiafoe, as well as Hollywood icons like Will Ferrell and P!nk. This year’s lineup promises to be no less impressive, featuring current and former Top 10 tennis pros from both the ATP and WTA Tours.

Confirmed participants include four-time major champion Naomi Osaka and former US Open winner Tracy Austin. Other stars from the WTA circuit like Elena Rybakina, fresh off her Australian Open victory, and exciting young talents such as Victoria Mboko and Iva Jovic are also set to join.

On the men's side, Desert Smash will showcase the talents of Hall of Famers Bob and Mike Bryan, who hold the record for the most doubles titles in the Open Era. They will be accompanied by current top players like Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini. Furthermore, the event will feature a competitive edge with prominent pickleball players, ensuring a variety of thrilling matches.

Not only will this event focus on competitive play, but it will also bring out many celebrities from different domains, including musicians, actors, and former NFL athletes, making it a true convergence of sports and entertainment. Stars like Cheri Oteri, Eric McCormack, and Gavin Rossdale are expected to join the festivity, enhancing the charisma of the event.

Ryan Macaulay, the founder of Desert Smash, mentioned, “Desert Smash has evolved into a globally recognized entertainment experience where sport, culture, and purpose intersect. This March, we're harnessing that energy to support the USTA Foundation while ensuring a memorable event for everyone involved.”

The USTA Foundation actively supports over 270 community organizations nationwide, utilizing tennis to prepare under-resourced youth for future opportunities. In 2022 alone, more than 230,000 young individuals benefited from their initiatives.

The 2026 event will kick off with a unique Celebrity Pickleball Challenge, ultimately culminating in the sold-out Celebrity-Pro Tennis Exhibition. This exhibition promises to be a dazzling display of skill and showmanship, where celebrities and professional players team up for an unforgettable match.

Continuing for the second consecutive year is a partnership with HexClad, promoting a luxury culinary experience at the 'HexClad Cuisine Court.' Attendees can indulge in specially crafted menus from top gourmet chefs, thus merging high-quality culinary experiences with thrilling sports entertainment.

Although tickets for Desert Smash are sold out, VIP packages remain available for those looking to partake in the festivities. For the latest updates and details, interested parties can visit www.desertsmash.com and follow their updates on social media @desertsmash.

Conclusion

Desert Smash is not just a celebration of tennis but a commendable initiative that bridges sports and charity. With its prestigious history and continuing efforts for community betterment, this year's event is highly anticipated as it once again showcases the seamless blend of star power and philanthropy, ensuring that the legacy of Desert Smash endures for years to come.