Donald Young, a name synonymous with American tennis over the last 10-15 years and at one time the top-ranked junior tennis player in the world at the age of 16, is now carving out a dual legacy as a professional in both tennis and pickleball.
Young, who recently signed with Proton and just last month was picked up by the Florida Smash of Major League Pickleball, is competing in his final U.S. Open in mixed doubles with partner Taylor Townsend.
While his last competitive singles tennis match was nearly a year ago and his last doubles match took place over 14 months ago, it’s clear Young still has some tennis left in him.
DY could go out with a bang
Townsend – fellow Chicagoan and recent Wimbledon women’s doubles champion – and Young have been a force of nature in New York.
As wild-card entrants, they’ve stormed through their early matches, winning in straight sets before squeaking out a 10-8 match tiebreaker victory against Harri Heliövaara and Anna Danilina in the quarters.
“If you’re not watching @donaldyoungjr and @tay_taytownsend right now then what are you even doing with your life?” Florida Smash owner and player Travis Rettenmaier posted to his IG story during their quarterfinal victory. “DY playing with no nerves!”
The crowd’s energy…
