What to expect from Desert Smash

Mar 04, 2018
Social

'If we're both fit enough, why not?' Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal reaffirm Paris Olympic doubles hopes in Madrid

By Baseline Staff Apr 26, 2024
Social

Mirra Andreeva did, in fact, put Andy Murray's famous complimentary tweet in a frame

By Baseline Staff Apr 26, 2024
Pop Culture

New movie Challengers asks: Where does tennis take us?

By Joel Drucker Apr 26, 2024
Social

Shelby Rogers dishes on the viral social media video that went all the way to Will Smith

By Baseline Staff Apr 26, 2024
Travel

Destination Tennis: Owl’s Nest Resort

By Megan Fernandez Apr 26, 2024
Pick of the Day

Jaume Munar vs. Jan-Lennard Struff, Mutua Madrid Open

By Zachary Cohen Apr 26, 2024
Style Points

Adrian Mannarino has a clothing sponsor! Lefty to debut with Celio at Mutua Madrid Open

By Baseline Staff Apr 25, 2024
Your Game

Geared Up: Rafael Nadal plays out his illustrious career with Babolat and Nike

By Baseline Staff Apr 25, 2024
Pop Culture

Review: Plenty to be excited about in TopSpin 2K25, which successfully recreates the joy (and frustration) of tennis

By Stephanie Livaudais and Spencer Thordarson Apr 24, 2024

What to expect from Desert Smash

Published Mar 04, 2018

The spring hard-court season kicks off, not with Indian Wells, but with an increasingly popular charity event instead.

For 14 years running, Desert Smash brings celebrities and players together for a day of action and entertainment in the name of some good causes.

Advertising

Here’s a cheat sheet for the event.

What is it?

The Desert Smash is a charity exhibition where players and celebrities pair up for doubles and singles matches throughout the day, followed by live entertainment in the evening.

Each year, the event supports a different charity. Last year, Jon Hamm hosted on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Who’s hosting this year?

None other than Serena Williams, new mom and winner of 23 Grand Slams, is adding Desert Slam host to her list of commitments. She is supporting The Yetunde Price Resource Center, a charity she and Venus founded in honor of their late sister, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2003.

As host, she’ll mix it up on the court with the celebrities and other players.

The day will also benefit the Sophie's Voice Foundation, set up by Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker in honor of their daughter who was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at birth.

Who’s attending?

Advertising

What to expect from Desert Smash

What to expect from Desert Smash

Past celebrity guests have included Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Rebel Wilson, and Michael B. Jordan, with musical appearances from the likes of Justin Bieber, Ja Rule, Natasha Bedingfield and Boyz II Men.

Advertising

This year’s guest list is expected to include Regina Hall, Marietta Sirleaf, Lance Bass, RedFoo, Dr. Phil, Omar Miller, Bob Sinclair, Colton Haynes, Randy Jackson, Tony Hale, Lisa Leslie and with any luck, baby Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

Where can you watch?

The Tennis Channel will broadcast parts of the event as part of its Indian Wells coverage.

Desert Smash gets underway on Tuesday at La Quinta Resort & Club, in La Quinta, CA.

Advertising

What to expect from Desert Smash

What to expect from Desert Smash

The 14th annual Desert Smash charity tennis event is Tuesday, March 6, and there are many reasons to mark your calendar. Here are just five of those reasons, including the event's host, Serena Williams.

Desert Smash is the kick off to Indian Wells, which will be broadcast on Tennis Channel over the next two weeks.

STREAM DESERT SMASH LIVE on TENNIS.com

WATCH LIVE on TENNIS CHANNEL

PURCHASE TICKETS AT* https://desertsmash.ticketleap.com/ *