Actress Charlize Theron, world No. 1 men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic and singer Gavin Rossdale all walk onto a tennis court, and no, that’s not the set up to a joke.
They were all soaking up the sun and taking part in the tennis court action at the 20th annual Desert Smash on Tuesday.
The annual star-studded event, held at the La Quinta Resort & Club, brings together big names in tennis and Hollywood to raise funds for charities, and to show those in attendance some good, and maybe a little questionable, playing.
This year’s Desert Smash benefitted the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project. The Academy Award winner, UN Messenger of Peace and South African actress created the organization in 2007, dedicated to investing in the health and safety of young people in her native country.
“I’m from South Africa, very proud South African, and I wanted to keep a connection to my country that I knew would always bring me back. Starting (Charlize Theron African Outreach Project) was a way to honor all the grassroot organizations who do such incredible work in South Africa,” Theron said. “We believe that all young people should be healthy, safe and have an education.”
Theron took the court with “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka and U.S. player Frances Tiafoe, who has three career titles. “That’s all you’re winning today,” Azarenka told Tiafoe after losing the coin toss, so it was clear the competition was fierce from the start.
“I’m from South Africa, very proud South African, and I wanted to keep a connection to my country that I knew would always bring me back. Starting (Charlize Theron African Outreach Project) was a way to honor all the grassroot organizations who do such incredible work in South Africa,” Theron said. “We believe that all young people should be healthy, safe and have an education.”
Theron took the court with “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka and U.S. player Frances Tiafoe, who has three career titles. “That’s all you’re winning today,” Azarenka told Tiafoe after losing the coin toss, so it was clear the competition was fierce from the start.
During another doubles match, producer Mustard and BNP Paribas Open women’s reigning champion Elena Rybakina faced off against Rossdale and Polish men’s player Hubert Hurkacz. Rossdale has been participating in Desert Smash since the beginning, and he’s even been spotted in Roger Federer’s box at various matches.
“There’s so much to love. It’s just good fun, it’s a great way to stay healthy,” Rossdale said about his love of the sport. He added that because he’s attended Desert Smash so many times, he’s able to see old friends and “you realize that’s what gives life meaning.”
Jabeur, serving as a chair umpire during the doubles match, joked she wouldn’t be fair in her calls against Rybakina, mainly because the Kazakhstani player defeated Jabeur at Wimbledon in 2022. She even teased Hurkacz, calling code violations left and right. However, the four players weren’t fazed, showing off their skills, and even impressing the crowd with fast serves that were impossible to return.
Tiafoe also faced off against Norwegian pro Casper Ruud, who has finished runner-up at three majors, in a men’s singles match. They both left it all out on the court, so much so that they had to sit down after the first game.
“They don’t make pros like they used to,” Orji, who served as chair umpire of that match, said.
It was an exciting opportunity for “Insecure” star Orji to join in Desert Smash, as she played tennis in high school and bonds with her father over the sport. Some of her favorite players are Pete Sampras and the Williams sisters, and she was at the 2023 US Open when American player Coco Gauff won.
“We all cried, we all hugged each other,” Orji said. “We needed the win.”
All of the professional tennis players who attended Desert Smash will be playing in the Indian Wells BNP Parbias Open, taking place through March 17. The celebrities, however, will likely sit those games out.
