Donald Young

Donald Young is an American professional pickleball player and a former professional tennis player. He achieved a tennis career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 and was ranked No. 1 in the world as a junior.

He made a memorable run to the fourth round of the US Open in both 2011 and 2015 and reached the men's doubles final of the French Open in 2017.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Donald Oliver Young Jr. was born on July 23, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois. He stands 183 cm tall and he plays left-handed with a two-handed backhand. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Young began playing tennis at the age of three with his parents, Donald Sr. and Illona, who are both tennis teaching professionals. He is known for his signature forehand power and is considered to be one of the most mentally strong players of his generation. After his long career in tennis, Young transitioned into professional pickleball.

Early Life and Junior Career

As a junior, Young was a prodigy who achieved numerous milestones. He won the Australian Open junior title at age 15, becoming the youngest player ever and the first African-American boy to be ranked No. 1 in the world. He finished 2005 as the year-end World No. 1 in junior rankings, making him the youngest player to do so. In doubles, he won the junior US Open title in 2005.

Professional Career

Donald Young turned professional in 2004. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 38 in February 2012 and a doubles ranking of World No. 43 in August 2017. His best singles performances at a major tournament were reaching the fourth round of the US Open in both 2011 and 2015. In doubles, he reached the final of the French Open in 2017 with his partner Santiago González, and in mixed doubles, he was a finalist at the US Open in 2024 with Taylor Townsend.

After a long and successful career in tennis, Young officially retired in 2024. He has since become a professional pickleball player, competing on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 124–190
• Career titles: 0
• Highest ranking: No. 38 (February 27, 2012)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – 3R (2014)
• French Open – 3R (2014)
• Wimbledon – 2R (2016, 2017)
• US Open – 4R (2011, 2015)

Other tournaments (Singles)

• Olympic Games – 1R (2012)

Doubles

• Career record: 45–76
• Career titles: 0
• Highest ranking: No. 43 (August 14, 2017)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – 3R (2017)
• French Open – F (2017)
• Wimbledon – 2R (2014)
• US Open – 3R (2015)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• US Open – F (2024)