Desert Smash: Hollywood Stars x Professional Tennis
Jordana Klein
La Quinta Resort & Club hosts 20th anniversary charity celebrity tennis event.
Two decades of the Desert Smash — an elevated event where Hollywood fame pairs with dazzling, professional tennis in an unprecedented location. Established in 2004, Desert Smash is an annual charity and celebrity tennis event that takes place over two days in the Coachella Valley region of California just before the Indian Wells combined ATP and WTA Tournament. Bringing the stars of the court together with the most regarded celebrity names, this event is one of the world’s most preeminent celebrity tennis events, and its hosting location in the La Quinta Resort & Club is just as premiere.
From March 4-5, 2024, Desert Smash’s dazzling event schedule will procure an intimate yet star-studded experience as renowned tennis talent and Hollywood celebrities come together with ticket holders and world-class sponsors in a breathtaking arena. The 2024 event features Nick Kyrgios and Victoria Azarenka. However, this anniversary year is set to embrace its unprecedented background with anticipation rising that some of the tournament’s most regarded alumni may make an appearance. Pickleball will also make its inaugural debut into the event’s schedule, bringing even more opportunities for some of the game’s most notable players to venture to the stage.
Names such as Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Maria Sharapova, among many others, have graced the desert with their performances on the stadium court. On the other side of the net, stars such as P!nk, Lance Bass, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Robin Thicke, Gwen Stefani, and Gavin Rossdale have added massive entertainment to the court.
All of these stars recognize that not only are they donating their time to an unforgettable tournament, but they are working together towards causes such as Playing for Change, Cancer for College, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Imagine LA, and more. This year’s charity will soon be announced, but proceeds from all tickets, donations, and experiences will benefit an impactful cause.
Ryan Macaulay, Founder, and Andrew Sokolsky, Partner and Executive Producer, are extremely thrilled to bring another year of world-class tennis and unmatched elegance to the center stage.
“Since year one, my goal has been to bring together the dynamic worlds of entertainment and pro tennis in the name of charity. People really enjoy seeing these two worlds come together, and all for a great cause,” Macaulay said.
Having the Liveball on-court playing experience paired with the opportunity to attend the private Desert Smash Bash, this event’s 2-day agenda is bursting with memorable moments both on and off the court.
“It’s been an incredible story that we’ve built over the past 20 years,” Sokolsky said. “Some of the biggest tennis professionals and Hollywood celebrities have made the event happen year after year and continue to raise the bar. We hope to continue that momentum for our 20th anniversary and beyond.”
About La Quinta Resort & Club — From the Tennis Resorts Online community:
Surrounded by mountains and luxurious accommodations at every turn, La Quinta’s picturesque setting matches stunning tennis facilities with high-end amenities and first-class service. La Quinta is a tennis oasis known for its regarded stadium court that showcases the Santa Rosa mountains in the background and is lined against some of California’s most stunning palm trees.
In total, 21 courts line the property, with additional amenities featuring a resort-style spa, impeccable accommodations, excellent cuisine, and the ideal location for resort-goers and tennis aficionados.
Reviews for Your Review from Tennis Resorts Online:
🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 “Tennis program is one of the best I’ve been to. Hope to come again.”—T.B., April 2020
🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 “It’s an absolutely stunning background right in the La Quinta cove! Beautiful views and an excellent tennis facility with the best staff!”—A.W., April 2020
Jordana has blended her passion for racquet sports with her on-court skills as Tennis Resorts Online's Travel Editor. After competing at the Division 1 collegiate level, Jordana's journey led her to hold marketing positions with organizations such as the USTA, IMG's Miami Open, and IMG Academy. She continues to share her love for the game across TRO's network and on tennis and pickleball courts in the Tampa Bay area.
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