Young's mixed doubles run at US Open going strong with semi-finals berth
UPA Tour Pro Donald Young has already made the final professional tennis tournament of his career one to remember... but there's more to come.
Young and partner Taylor Townsend will play in the 2024 US Open mixed doubles semi-finals on Tuesday afternoon against eighth-seeded Rohan Bopanna and Aldila Sutjiadi.
Long-time friends, the American tandem was given a wildcard to compete in the last Grand Slam of the year - and they're definitely making the very best of the opportunity.
Young, 35, will officially turn his attention to pickleball full-time following this remarkable run that hopefully culminates in a championship trophy presentation.
He debuted on the PPA Tour in January and also represents MLP's Florida Smash at the Challenger Level.
Speaking of the Smash, owner and player Travis Rettenmaier has been thoroughly enjoying Young and Townsend's effort in Flushing Meadows.
He took to social media to share his delight at their success.
"If you aren't watching @donaldyoungjr and @tay_townsend right now, then what are you even doing with your life? DY playing with no nerves," Rettenmaier posted via Instagram Story on Monday night during the quarterfinals. "Semifinal bound @usopen, so happy for @donaldyoungjr. What a class act and he deserves this swan song."
What. A. Story!
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2024
Donald Young and @TaylorTownsend reach the mixed doubles semis after defeating defending champs Danilina and Heliovaara. @yimlife1313 | #USOPEN pic.twitter.com/xcZUN6ELvI
Over the weekend, Young spoke with USOpen.org about his path to pickleball.
"In 2019, I played the qualies here. In 2020, they didn’t have qualifying [due to the global pandemic]. Then I tore up my left wrist in 2022, and that derailed me for a while. There weren’t many tournaments in the States in 2021, 2022. It was rough. The timing wasn’t great. It was kind of hard to bounce back," he explained. "I’ve found pickleball now. I’ve been playing pro pickleball. It was kind of a new start, something fresh. It was a good opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up."
And as much as Young will always love tennis, he knows the next stage of his professional life with America's fastest-growing sport is exceptionally promising, too.
"I always think I can still play with the [tennis] guys, but it’s a lot easier watching than actually getting out there and playing. Would I like to play? For sure, but God put something else in front of me and I feel excited about it," he mentioned.
As Young should with notable victories like these already under his belt.
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