Eugenie Bouchard Cheers Donald Young: Donald Young, one of the latest tennis pros to pivot toward pickleball, is making waves at the 2024 US Open. Teaming up with Taylor Townsend, the 35-year-old reached the mixed doubles final, marking a high point in his tennis career just as he plans to make pickleball his primary focus. The US Open is Young’s final tennis tournament, and he’s aiming for a storybook finish by clinching his maiden Major title.
Eugenie Bouchard, another tennis star who has also taken up pickleball, extended her congratulations to Young after his semifinal victory in New York.
From Tennis Stardom to Pickleball Pro
Young’s tennis career has seen its share of milestones, including winning the 2005 Australian Open Boy’s singles title, a runner-up finish at the 2011 Thailand Open, and a doubles final at the 2015 Memphis Open. At his peak, Young reached World No. 38 in singles and No. 43 in doubles. Recently, he’s shifted his focus toward pickleball, joining a growing number of athletes transitioning from tennis to the fast-growing sport.
Bouchard, who is also embracing pickleball, congratulated Young on his success. Her message reflects the growing camaraderie between former tennis players now stepping into pickleball.
Tactical Brilliance in Semifinal Performance
Young and Townsend’s path to the final saw them deliver a tactical masterclass against Rohan Bopanna and Aldila Sutjiadi in the semifinals. The duo executed their game plan perfectly, focusing on long rallies to wear down Sutjiadi and force errors from Bopanna at the net. Their performance was a testament to their sharp strategy, securing a 6-3, 6-4 win to reach their first Grand Slam final in mixed doubles.
Both players have been on point throughout the tournament, showing the kind of form that has seen them drop just one set on their way to the final. Bouchard praised Young’s determination as he eyes a last hurrah before moving into the world of professional pickleball.
A Seamless Path to the Final
Throughout the 2024 US Open, Young and Townsend have dominated, with wins against top pairs including Andres Molteni and Asia Muhammad, Hugo Nys and Nadiia Kichenok, and defending champions Harri Heliovaara and Rohan Bopanna-Aldila Sutjiadi. In the final, they will face the third-seeded Italian pair, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, on September 5.
This final appearance is familiar territory for Young, who previously competed in the men’s doubles final at Roland Garros in 2017 French Open. Partnering with Santiago Gonzalez, Young made a deep run before finishing as the runner-up.
News in Brief: Eugenie Bouchard Cheers Donald Young
Donald Young, a tennis pro who recently transitioned to professional pickleball, is one win away from his first Major title after reaching the 2024 US Open mixed doubles final with Taylor Townsend. The duo defeated Rohan Bopanna and Aldila Sutjiadi 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals. Young, 35, is competing in his final tennis tournament before focusing solely on pickleball.
This marks his second Grand Slam final, with his first being in men’s doubles at the 2017 French Open. Former tennis player Eugenie Bouchard, who also turned to pickleball, congratulated Young ahead of his final match against Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.
also read: Lake Conroe Senior Pickleball Classic to Excite Montgomery in October
