Donald Young Shuts Down Pickleball Rumors: Donald Young, the seasoned tennis pro, made headlines with his US Open mixed doubles final run alongside Taylor Townsend. Yet, in a surprising twist, Young switched his tennis racquet for a pickleball paddle less than a week after the tournament at the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam. Despite his quick transition, Young clarified that during his historic US Open run, pickleball had no place in his preparation.
“I went to City Pickle once before the tournament started, and that was it, I won’t lie to you,” Young admitted during an interview with Baseline. “Absolutely not,” he added when asked if he played pickleball while competing at the Open.
Reflecting on the US Open Final
Young’s journey to the final was filled with personal significance, especially partnering with Townsend.
“When I asked [Townsend], she said it would be an honor to play with me, so I was excited. I’ve known her since birth, I was the ring bearer at her family’s wedding, so I’ve known her a long time; it was cool.” – (Young)
Although their run ended as runner-ups, Young was proud of their performance. After the final match, he confessed, “My neck totally locked up, all the stress hit me, so I was pretty done.” Despite the physical toll, Young seemed content, appreciating the opportunity for one last hurrah on the tennis stage.
Pickleball: The Next Chapter
Post-US Open, Young’s focus has shifted to pickleball, officially marking his transition to the sport at the Atlanta Slam. Teaming up with pro Travis Rettenmaier, Young made an impression, reaching the Round of 16. He even defeated fellow former tennis pro Jack Sock before falling to the No. 4 seeds. His foray into pickleball extends beyond mixed doubles, with appearances in both singles and mixed doubles competitions.
Though his initial results were modest, Young is determined to continue his pickleball journey, assuring fans,
“I’m not going anywhere.” – (Young)
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Future Partnerships
Young also hinted at the possibility of rekindling his partnership with Townsend in the pickleball world. “I’ve got her out a couple of times; she really enjoys it,” he said. However, Townsend’s flourishing tennis career, which includes a Wimbledon title, may delay any reunion in pickleball. Young remains hopeful, stating,
“But she’s doing so well in tennis, winning Wimbledon and whatnot, so it’s going to be a long time. Hopefully, I’m still playing and we can run it back one time.”
News in Brief: Donald Young Shuts Down Pickleball Rumors
Donald Young confirmed he was absolutely not playing pickleball during his run to the US Open mixed doubles final with Taylor Townsend. After their impressive wild card performance, Young quickly transitioned to pickleball, competing at the PPA Atlanta Slam.
Though he only visited City Pickle once before the US Open, Young’s focus has now shifted to pickleball, where he teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier and reached the Round of 16. Young also suggested a possible future pickleball partnership with Townsend, but her thriving tennis career might postpone their reunion on the pickleball court.
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