Guests are enjoying the day on the purple carpet before the matches.  cute photo of girls having fun -Photo by Pat Krause: 

2026 Desert Smash
Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The 22nd annual Desert Smash was held March 2 and 3 at the luxurious La Quinta Resort & Club. Over the past few years, organizers have incorporated pickleball into the event as the sport has grown rapidly in popularity. The first day featured the Pro-Celebrity Fun Day Pickleball Challenge, while the second day focused on the tennis portion of the event.

Actor James Van Patton, Far Right, with Friends at the Smash -photo Pat Krause

Hollywood stars, tennis champions, and pickleball pros walked a purple carpet for photographers, with many stopping along the way to give interviews to members of the press.

The event has become a gathering place for friends from the tennis and pickleball worlds, as well as celebrities who support the cause. Desert Smash benefits the USTA Foundation, one of the nation’s largest youth sports mentoring organizations. Through tennis education and mentorship programs, the foundation reaches more than 170,000 young people each year, making it a globally recognized philanthropic initiative.

Actress Lily Collins - photo Pat Krause

Among the celebrities attending were Eric McCormack, Sam Asghari, Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen, along with their daughter-in-law Lily Collins and her husband. Danson and Steenburgen attended primarily for the pickleball portion of the event, especially as temperatures climbed higher than usual for this time of year. For one day, the tennis court was transformed into a pickleball arena.

The day began with the Coachella Valley Scorpios hosting a lively pickleball clinic. A large live auction followed, raising funds to help expand the program’s outreach. Once introductions were completed, the tennis portion of the day began. Tennis champions paired with celebrities and well-known sports figures, drawing cheers and applause from the guests gathered around the court.

Tennis Champions Mike and Bob Bryan and Naomi Osaka- photo Pat Krause

Among the players participating were tennis stars Naomi Osaka, Elena Rybakina, Cheri Oteri, legendary doubles team Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, along with Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev, among others.

Hundreds attended the fundraiser. Tables lined both sides of the tennis court, many shaded by umbrellas as the desert sun warmed the afternoon. Players moved between the tennis and pickleball courts behind the main venue, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Food stations served players and sponsors, while additional food courts were open to guests.

As the excitement built, tennis professionals and celebrities took to the court for exhibition matches that thrilled the crowd. The day concluded with the professional players demonstrating championship-level tennis for the audience.

The 2026 Desert Smash wrapped up with an elegant gala finale. Organizers once again hoped to surpass last year’s remarkable fundraising total of $1.5 million for youth programs supported by the USTA Foundation.