The star-studded Desert Smash, a celebrity tennis event witnessing the rare crossover of Grand Slam champions and Hollywood figures, is coming back in 2025. The 21st edition is set to take place at the renovated La Quinta Resort & Club on March 3 and 4. As has been the tradition, this year’s event also focuses on several noble causes. All of the revenue generated will go to WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund. But who are the tennis figures signing up for this season’s Smash? Well, the list goes long with the likes of three-time Major winner Aryna Sabalenka, four-time Slam champion Naomi Osaka, and many more!

In the last two decades, the Desert Smash has raised millions of dollars for philanthropic causes. And it’s become possible due to the amazing collaboration between the stars from the world of tennis and Hollywood. So far, icons like Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka, Casper Ruud, Emma Raducanu have made their appearances in past editions. Speaking of celebrities, the event has already seen participation from globally acclaimed names like Will Ferrell, Justin Bieber, and Kevin Hart. But what about the 2025 line-up?

Alongside Sabalenka and Osaka, Desert Smash 2025 will also feature 2022 Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios and Barbora Krejčíkova. Alexander Zverev, Ons Jabeur, and Holger Rune will also join them. More names are expected to be revealed soon. Apart from the tennis encounters, the Celebrity-Pro Tennis Exhibition will also bring back the second annual pickleball challenge. Osaka and Kyrgios will be its hosts.

Speaking more of the cause behind Desert Smash 2025, all the money raised will be used for the welfare of women and children across the globe. It’s become possible due to the support of UNICEF and Bill Gates Foundation’s own ‘Women Change the Game’ campaign. It was launched last year.

Ahead of the 21st edition of the exhibition event, its founder Ryan Macaulay expressed gratitude towards the WTA Foundation. He said, “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.”

Coming back to on-court attractions, fans will hope to witness a lot of surprises this time as well. Why so? It’s because last year they had none other than a 24-time Slam champion stepping on the court. Eventually, he joined forces with a famous Hollywood actress for a doubles match!

When 2024’s Desert Smash saw a surprise guest in Novak Djokovic

For the uninitiated, last year’s Desert Smash was hosted by Oscar-winning star actress Charlize Theron. While she’s been previously seen cheering from the stands, 2024’s edition saw her stepping on the court. And guess who did she partner with? The one and only Novak Djokovic.

The 10-time AO king, and Theron eventually played a doubles encounter together. Theron’s participation had a noble cause attached as well. She wanted to raise support for her own ‘Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.’ The latter works in order to prevent gender-based violence, advocating for reproductive health and rights, and offering children a chance to have higher education.

Until the last moment, fans and other attendees had no clue about Djokovic’s appearance. But when he arrived on the court, the excitement spread at the venue. Prior to his unexpected intervention, Theron was seen playing with American star Frances Tiafoe. The two had a contest against comedian Yvonne Orji and WTA icon Viktoria Azarenka.

Coming back to this year’s edition, it’s also backed up by popular sponsors. Desert Smash 2025 will see brands like Maestro Dobel Tequila, Herbalife, HEAD, Mecum Auctions, ROAR Organic, BOAST, Rivian, and Mountain Valley Water powering up the star-studded extravaganza. Not to mention Suntory ALL-FREE, VCR Group, Zenyara, LumiVitae, SUBJECT, MVA Experiential, Interior Branding California, Benvolio, BC.Games, Miami Pickleball Club, Inner Games AI, among others.

Fans looking to watch the live action at the La Quinta Resort & Club can book their tickets now. They are available on the official website of Desert Smash 2025.