Two time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka is set to play alongside Frances Tiafoe and Casper Ruud in Desert Smash 2023, a celebrity event, that’s scheduled on March 7.
The event’s 19th edition will commence at the La Quinta Resort & Club near Indian Wells in the United States. The proceeds of the event will go to the charity.
The organizers of the event earlier took to social media to announce the news. “Join us for the big match! Desert Smash is the most recognized celebrity tennis event in the world, bringing the biggest names in Hollywood, music & pro tennis together to battle on-court for charity,” the announcement read.
Azarenka sails into pre-quarters at the Qatar Open, shows solidarity towards the earthquake victims in Turkey
Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka beat Ipek Oz from Turkey in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1 to enter the Round of 16 at the Qatar Open 2023. Vika will be next up against either Viktoriya Tomova or Belinda Bencic.
The former champion later showed support for the victims of the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria this month. The star player walked out on the court with a Turkish flag tied to herself after giving a warm hug to her Turk opponent.
Azarenka spoke on the on-court interview, “It was our first meeting and I’m sure it was very hard for her to go out on court and play right now, so I wish her strength so hopefully somehow, someway, things can get better.”
Vika who has won the Qatar Open twice in the past(2012 and 2013) was earlier awarded a wildcard entry to play in the star studded tournament.