Dirk Nowitzki Serves Up Charity and Competition at Annual Tennis Classic

Nowitzki said he picked up a tennis racket long before he became a basketball legend and the Charity Classic has been a way to combine two of his passions.  

“Tennis was my first sport, and it’s still a game I love to play. I started this fundraiser years ago, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into an event that not only brings the community together but also makes a real difference for children and families in need,” he said. 

One of the event’s celebrity attendees was former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah, son of 1983 French Open champion Yannick Noah, who said stepping onto the court was an honor. 

“I’m not a tennis player, and it’s tough to be precise with lobs, but I haven’t played in a long time,” Noah said with a laugh. “I once ended up at a dinner in Greece for Dirk’s dad’s birthday, totally by chance. We sat together for hours, and it was the first real moment I shared with Dirk. So when I had the chance to support his foundation, I jumped on a plane from New York to be here and have some fun today.”

Behind the laughs and highlight shots on court is a deeper mission. The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation directs 100% of the Classic’s proceeds to nonprofits in North Texas. For Nowitzki, the event is a way to unite his love of sport with his dedication to community.

“The community’s support each year is truly inspiring and means so much to me,” he said.

This year, Nowitzki gathered a lineup of high-profile participants that included Noah, the top NBA rookie Cooper Flagg, former U.S. tennis pro Coco Vandeweghe, Texas Rangers infielder Elvis Andrus, ex-NBA guard Devin Harris, actor Boris Kodjoe and Dude Perfect’s Coby Cotton, and another retired NBA All-Star Steve Nash who all helped transform the courts into a lively mix of rallies, laughter and lighthearted competition.

Nash, brought the perspective of someone who has fallen in love with tennis as part of his post-basketball routine. 

“Tennis has been such a gift for me. It gives me a chance to sweat, to compete, and to clear my head,” Nash said. “I probably play three or four times a week, and it’s become a great outlet just a way to disappear for a while and get everything else out of my mind. I’ve learned so much through the game, I really enjoy playing, and, of course, it’s always fun when I get the chance to kick his (Nowitzki’s) butt out there.”

The mix of competition and camaraderie defined the day, with extended rallies as fans packed the stands with their energy palpable while they roared with every sharp volley and gasped at close-call shots. By the end of the day, the event had once again lived up to its reputation not only as a marquee charity event on the Dallas calendar, but as a true celebration of tennis, teamwork, and giving back.