By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
It was a star-studded event on Saturday afternoon as the stars came out to support Dirk Nowtizki’s Annual Celebrity Tennis Tournament at Dallas’ Banner House T-Bar-M indoor tennis facility.
The seventh annual Tournament, sponsored by the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, featured Dirk and a host of celebrities for an afternoon of exhibition-style tennis. On hand for the fun-filled event were Dallas Maverick’s Cooper Flagg, actor Boris Kodjoe, Texas Rangers legend Elvis Andrus, former Mavs guard and analyst Devin Harrris, NBA All-Star Joakim Noah, NBA Hall-of-Famer Steve Nash, former World Top-10 tennis player Coco Vandeweghe and more.
Charity Credit: Dorothy J Gentry
“I’m excited to welcome this incredible group of athletes and friends to our annual tennis classic. It’s always a great time, but most importantly, it supports causes close to my heart. I’m grateful to everyone who shows up, on and off the court, to make a difference for kids and families in our community,” said Nowitzki.
During the opening press conference, Dirk kept things light and joked about his friend and former Maverick player, Devin Harris, and what a suspect tennis player he is.
Tennis Tournament Credit: Dorothy J Gentry
“I actually didn’t ask him back [for five years] because his tennis was so bad, but he asked to come back, so here he is,” Nowitzki said. “I hope everyone is ready for some, somewhat suspect, tennis. Devin’s my guy obviously. It’s not going to be any better than it was five years ago, but I love Devin.
“He’s got a huge heart and he’s always ready to help out wherever you need him, so I’m glad he’s back, and we’ll see what he’s got.”
Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing together sports and entertainment stars for an afternoon of exhibition-style tennis. The seventh annual event directs 100% of proceeds to North Texas nonprofits that provide critical programs in children’s well-being, health, and education.
Dorothy J. Gentry is Sports Editor for Texas Metro News, covering local and national sports and is a teacher in the Irving Independent School District. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in journalism/communications.
