Donald Young’s Pickleball Career Begins: It was a fitting send-off for UPA Tour Pro Donald Young as he closed the curtain on his tennis career at the US Open, capturing attention one last time. Teaming up with Taylor Townsend, the duo put in a stellar performance, finishing as runners-up in the mixed doubles competition.
Securing a Grand Slam finalist position as a wildcard pairing is no small feat. For Young, though, the shift away from tennis doesn’t mark the end of competition—it’s just the start of a new chapter in pickleball.
A Playful Post-Match Moment
During Thursday’s post-match press conference, Townsend couldn’t help but tease her longtime friend. As questions rolled in about the future of America’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball, one reporter asked Young if his newfound pickleball skills had slipped into his tennis game.
“He better not have,” Townsend quipped with a grin. She wasn’t done, adding,
“You did hit one. You hit a volley straight in the bottom of the net. I was like, ‘Oh my god, that was a dink.’ What the hell was that?” – (Townsend)
Young took it all in stride, laughing along with his partner’s playful jab.
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A Tennis-Pickleball Crossover?
The 35-year-old Atlanta native was more candid when reflecting on the crossover between tennis and pickleball, admitting that his experience with pickleball did show up at times on the court in Flushing Meadows.
“I don’t want to say there’s a bunch of crossover [between tennis and pickleball], but there’s some with the movement, like covering the middle. Some things in pickleball, it’s kind of like natural, you kind of do it. I’ve been playing [pickleball] so much that some shots did, in my mind after, I didn’t say them out loud, but I was like, ‘Yeah, that was from that.’” – (Young)
Young acknowledged how pickleball has helped sharpen his reflexes and quick movements, but he remains aware that the two sports, despite shared elements, are quite different.
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Bright Future in Pickleball
Taylor Townsend is among Young’s strongest supporters as he transitions into his pickleball career. The reigning Wimbledon women’s doubles champion gave her friend a ringing endorsement.
“You’re going to be kicking everybody’s ass when you go back out and play.” – (Townsend)
Young didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, 100 percent,” he replied confidently. Already a member of Major League Pickleball’s Florida Smash, Young has competed in multiple PPA Tour events, recording wins against top players like Connor Garnett and Jay Devilliers. His aspirations in the sport are sky-high, with the 35-year-old determined to make a name for himself in pickleball’s growing competitive scene.
“Everything I do, I want to be the best I can possibly be at. To be the best would be awesome.” Young stated. He’s aiming to regularly reach the final stages of tournaments and believes his tennis foundation will help him achieve that.
Next Stop: Atlanta Slam
Young is set to compete next week at the PPA Tour’s CIBC Atlanta Slam at Life Time Peachtree Corners, GA. He’ll be busy, with singles competition as well as men’s doubles alongside Travis Rettenmaier and mixed doubles with Ewa Radzikowska. His tennis career might be in the rearview, but it’s clear Young’s competitive spirit is alive and well.
News in Brief: Donald Young’s Pickleball Career Begins
Former tennis pro-Donald Young has shifted his focus to pickleball after wrapping up his tennis career at the US Open. Young, a member of MLP’s Florida Smash, is already making waves in the pickleball world with victories over top players.
He’ll next compete in singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles at the PPA Tour’s CIBC Atlanta Slam. Though the sports are different, Young admits some tennis skills have helped his pickleball game, and he’s aiming to regularly reach the finals of major tournaments.
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