From pickleball to US Open final with Taylor Townsend: Donald Young's incredible return to tennis
Donaldo Young's incredible comeback trail continues as he made it to the final of the 2024 US Open mixed doubles. The American, who had virtually quit the sport before announcing his return to the US Open, could end his career with a trophy if he wins the next match with his partner Taylor Townsend.
Donald Young was once one of the most promising tennis stars in the United States. The Southpaw won the Easter Bowl 16s in 2003, making him the youngest-ever year-end World No. 1 in the ITF rankings. He was an instant star in the brand market and turned pro at 15 years of age.
Young had a tough start to his professional career losing his opening nine matches. However, things soon turned for the better when he got a headline win against Stan Wawrinka at the 2011 US Open. His best Grand Slam performance came at the US Open in 2011 and 2015 when he reached the fourth round, however, he failed to get past the third round in the other three Majors.
Recently, Young announced his retirement from tennis at age 35, after the 2024 US Open. However, the American can end his career on a high with a mixed-doubles title at the Flushing Meadows. Young and his partner Townsend have made it to the last four of the competition and will face Rohan Bopanna and Aldila Sutjiadi for a place in the final.
Young and Townsend were given a wildcard at the 2024 US Open after the 35-year-old announced that he wanted to end his career in New York. The duo have made a great impact in the tournament and defeated Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara 6-7(3), 6-3, [10-8] in the quarterfinal to book a semifinal berth for the first time in their career together. There, they beat Rohan Bopanna and Aldila Sutjiadi 6-3, 6-4 to reach the summit clash.
Young has already planned for life after tennis having started playing professional pickleball. He started playing pickleball in January 2024 and wants to prolong his career after retiring from professional tennis.
Donald Young to focus on pickleball after tennis retirement
Donald Young has already picked up a pickleball racquet before his retirement from tennis. Since his PPA Tour debut in January, Young has competed in 12 tournaments.
Talking at his final US Open, Young said he would focus on pickleball after his tennis retirement. He added that it was an opportunity he could not pass up and wanted a fresh start. After his 2024 US Open outing, he is set to compete at the pickleball event, the CIBC Atlanta Slam next month.
"I’ve found pickleball now. I’ve been playing pro pickleball. It was kind of a new start, something fresh. It was a good opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up." Young said.
Donald Young is the latest tennis star to take up pickleball as a professional sport. In recent years, former tennis players like Genie Bouchard, Jack Sock and Sam Querrey have made the transition from tennis to pickleball.