Donald Oliver Young Jr. Bio
Donald Oliver Young Jr. is an American professional pickleball player and former professional tennis player. Born on July 23, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois, Young achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 38 in February 2012 and a doubles ranking of No. 43 in August 2017. As a junior, he was ranked No. 1 in the world in 2005. His tennis career highlights include reaching the fourth round of the US Open in 2011 and 2015, the doubles final at the 2017 French Open, and the mixed doubles final at the 2024 US Open.
Early Life and Background
Donald Young was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began playing tennis at the age of three under the guidance of his parents, Donald Young Sr. and Illona Young, both tennis teaching professionals. Growing up in a tennis-focused family, Young developed his skills early and showed promise as a junior player. His early exposure to tennis laid the foundation for his future professional career.
Path to Pickleball
Young turned professional in tennis in 2004 after a successful junior career highlighted by becoming the youngest year-end world No. 1 junior player in 2005 and winning the Australian Open Junior Championships that same year. After a lengthy tennis career with notable achievements, including a top 40 ATP singles ranking and Grand Slam appearances, he transitioned to professional pickleball. He currently competes on the American PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, applying his athletic skills to this growing sport.
Donald Oliver Young Jr. Career
Early Career (2004–2008)
Young’s early professional tennis career saw him competing in ATP Tour, Futures, and Challenger events. He won the Orange Bowl 16-under title in 2003 and reached the Orange Bowl 18-under final in 2004. In 2007, he won the Junior Wimbledon title and broke into the top 100 ATP rankings. His first ATP Tour-level singles match win came in 2007 at New Haven. These formative years established him as a promising talent in American tennis.
ATP Tour Breakthrough (2009–2012)
During this period, Young made significant strides on the ATP Tour. In 2011, he reached the fourth round of the US Open, marking his best Grand Slam singles performance. He also won the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger and reached his first ATP final at the PTT Thailand Open. In 2012, Young achieved his career-high singles ranking of No. 38 and represented the United States at the London Olympics.
Later Tennis Career and Doubles Success (2013–2018)
Young continued competing on the ATP Tour, with notable doubles success including reaching the 2017 French Open doubles final with Santiago González. He also reached the fourth round of several Masters 1000 events in 2017. Despite a dip in singles form, he maintained a presence in professional tennis through doubles and Challenger events.
Transition to Pickleball and Recent Activity (2019–Present)
After a decline in tennis rankings, Young transitioned to professional pickleball, competing on the American PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. In 2024, he reached the mixed doubles final at the US Open partnering Taylor Townsend. He is sponsored by Boast for clothing and K-Swiss for footwear.
Playing Style and Strengths
Young’s tennis background contributes to his strong athleticism and court coverage in pickleball. His experience in singles and doubles tennis provides strategic versatility and competitive resilience. His early training under his parents and years on the professional circuit have honed his tactical awareness and shot-making skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
Young’s career milestones include being the youngest male to win a Grand Slam junior event at the 2005 Australian Open, reaching the 2017 French Open doubles final, and the 2024 US Open mixed doubles final. His transition to pickleball marks a new chapter in his athletic career.
Donald Oliver Young Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his tennis career, Young secured multiple Challenger titles and ATP Tour victories. His junior career was marked by several championship wins including the Australian Open Junior title and Wimbledon Junior title. In doubles, he reached significant finals including the 2017 French Open.
ATP Challenger and Junior Highlights
Young won the Calabasas Challenger and Tallahassee Tennis Challenger among others. As a junior, he was ranked No. 1 globally and won the Australian Open Junior Championships and Wimbledon Junior title. His success in junior and Challenger circuits laid the groundwork for his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
Young also achieved success in doubles, winning the Virginia National Bank Challenger doubles title and reaching the finals of major doubles events. His mixed doubles final appearance at the 2024 US Open represents a career highlight in his later professional years.
Donald Oliver Young Jr. Family
Family Background and Tennis Lineage
Young comes from a tennis-oriented family with both parents serving as tennis teaching professionals. This environment fostered his early development in the sport and influenced his career path.
Personal Life
Young resides in Atlanta, Georgia. There is no publicly available verified information regarding his spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Donald Young continues to compete professionally in pickleball, leveraging his extensive tennis background. His experience and competitive drive position him as a notable player on the American PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball circuits. His performance outlook remains positive as he adapts fully to the demands of professional pickleball competition.