To raise funds for the NJTL and Save Doubles, the third annual Duel in the Desert, a two-day charity celebrity golf and tennis event, has been organised at the La Quinta Resort and Club, California.
The first day of the Duel in the Desert will see world number one and US Open champion Maria Sharapova, Mardy Fish and world number one doubles team Mike and Bob Bryan go head to head exhibition style with other world renown tennis aces.
Also, as part of the days frivolities a live auction of player memorabilia will be held in between tennis events by Maria Sharapova herself.
Later in the evening, there will be a limited-invitation, exclusive dinner party for event sponsors, VIPs and guests hosted by Oscar Winner Joe Pesci.
The second day will kick of with an intimate round of golf played by Joe Pesci, who’ll also be accompanied by friends, Dennis Hopper, Lance Bass, Gavin Rossdale and Chris Klein. The game will start at noon and will not end until all of the players get buried in the dust of the winner.
Players who’ve participated in the tennis event in past years have included: Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Fernando Verdasco, Jonathan Stark, Mark Knowles, Daniel Nestor and Mark Woodford.
Save Doubles is a national not for profit organisation aimed at surviving tennis doubles teams throughout various leagues.
The NJTL (National Junior Tennis League), founded by Arthur Ashe and Charlie Pasarell, works with young people, through tennis and reaches out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport. Funds are used to provide free equipment and lessons to schools and clubs as well as repair local tennis courts at parks and throughout communities.