Desert Smash begins with celebs & pro tennis players
The Desert Smash is back for its 12th year. The fundraising event takes place Tuesday at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.
Officials said this year’s smash will kick off with two fun playing opportunities. The first will be hosted by WTA superstar and former World No. 1 ranked Victoria Azarenka. Officials said the ‘Ultimate Pro-Am Experience Package’ will give participants a chance to play with the two-time Grand Slam singles champion.
The other event is the ‘Live Ball Challenge’, which officials said was invented and made famous in Southern California. It’s a club favorite competitive on-court workout.
After these two events, the Pro-Tennis & Celebrity Expedition will commence at 3 p.m. on the Westin Mission Hills’ Stadium Court, according to the release.
Capping off the day of fundraising and tennis will be the 12th annual Desert Smash Player Party with a music performance by Ja Rule.
Tennis stars confirmed:
Sam Querrey (just won Delray Beach on Sunday)
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan
Kevin Anderson
Mardy Fish (“retired, but not retired from Desert Smash!”)
Fernando Verdasco
Victoria Azarenka
Bruno Soares (Oz Open Doubles Champion)
Jamie Murray (Oz Open Doubles Champion)
Nicolas Monroe
Jan-Michael Gambill
Vince Spadea
Talent confirmed:
Nicole Scherzinger
Jason Collins
Chelsea Handler
Colton Haynes
Justin Chambers
Hilary Swank
Boris Kodjoe
Gavin Rossdale
Ja Rule