Is DJ Young’s Breakthrough Coming: DJ Young is one of the most talented players in professional pickleball, yet he remains underappreciated. Currently ranked #31 in men’s doubles and #39 in mixed doubles, Young has the potential to be a top 5-7 player. His skills, movement, and defensive abilities make him stand out, but injuries and a lack of top-tier partners have held him back.
A Complete Skill Set
Young possesses a well-rounded game. He has good size and moves with remarkable smoothness. His soft hands allow him to control the ball with ease, making his drops highly effective and his dinking solid. One of his biggest strengths is his defensive play and counterattacks.
Opponents rarely find success speeding up shots against him. He is particularly strong on the right side, where he slides into position and counters effectively with his backhand. While his serve and drives are decent, they are arguably the weakest part of his game when compared to his other exceptional skills.
At the recent Tucson Open, Young and Ryan Fu played a close match against Gabe Tardio and JW Johnson. Young was the best player on the court that day, standing out even among top competitors. His performance placed him just behind elite players like Ben Johns, Christian Alshon, and Andrei Daescu.
What’s Holding Him Back?
Young’s struggles to gain recognition can be traced to injuries that disrupted his career. About 18-24 months ago, he had major wins, but his injuries set him back.
He returned to play too soon, which affected his performance in Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2024. His struggles in MLP led to him being dropped, impacting his reputation and limiting his opportunities with high-level partners.
In pickleball, partnerships play a crucial role in success. Currently, Young does not get the chance to play with top-tier partners like Dekel Bar, Dylan Frazier, or Riley Newman.
If paired with one of them, his results would likely improve significantly. Many in the sport believe that once a top player teams up with Young, they will realize the true value he brings to the court.
Looking Ahead
Despite recent setbacks, Young’s future remains bright. His ability to defend, counter, and control the pace of play makes him a strong asset.
If he secures better partnerships, he could rise quickly in the rankings. With his talent and skill set, it’s only a matter of time before he gets the recognition he deserves.
News in Brief: Is DJ Young’s Breakthrough Coming
DJ Young is one of the most underrated players in professional pickleball. Despite his impressive skills, he remains overlooked due to injuries and a lack of top-tier partners. His defensive play, movement, and countering abilities make him a top talent, and with the right opportunities, he could break into the sport’s elite ranks.
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