Donald Young (tennis) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Donald Young
Singles
Young in 2023
Full name	Donald Oliver Young Jr.
Country (sports)	United States
Residence	Atlanta, Georgia, US
Born	(1989-07-23) July 23, 1989 (age 35) Chicago, Illinois, US
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Turned pro	2004
Retired	2024
Plays	Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
Prize money	$4,694,661
Career record	124–190 (39.49%)
Career titles	0
Highest ranking	No. 38 (February 27, 2012)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open	3R (2014)
French Open	3R (2014)
Wimbledon	2R (2016, 2017)
US Open	4R (2011, 2015)
Other tournaments
Olympic Games	1R (2012)
Doubles
Career record	45–76 (37.19%)
Career titles	0
Highest ranking	No. 43 (August 14, 2017)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open	3R (2017)
French Open	F (2017)
Wimbledon	2R (2014)
US Open	3R (2015)
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
US Open	F (2024)

Donald Oliver Young Jr. (born July 23, 1989) is an American athlete. He is a professional pickleball player and used to be a professional tennis player. Donald Young reached his highest tennis ranking in singles at No. 38 in the world in 2012. In doubles, he reached No. 43 in 2017.

When he was a junior player, he was ranked No. 1 in the world in 2005. His best results in major tennis tournaments (called Grand Slams) were reaching the fourth round of the US Open in 2011 and again in 2015. In doubles, he made it to the final of the 2017 French Open with his partner Santiago González. In mixed doubles, he reached the final of the US Open in 2024 with Taylor Townsend.

Early Life and Tennis Start
Tennis Career Highlights
World TeamTennis
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Tennis Start

Donald Young started playing tennis very young, at just three years old. His parents, Illona and Donald Sr., were both tennis teachers. They helped him learn the game.

Tennis Career Highlights

Junior and Early Professional Years

In 2003, Donald Young won the Orange Bowl 16-under title. He was the first American to win this age group since Jim Courier in 1986.

He became a professional tennis player in 2004. In 2005, he became the No. 1 junior player in the world. He was the youngest male ever to win a Grand Slam junior event when he won the Australian Open Junior Championships at age 15. He also won the US Open Junior Doubles Championship with Alex Clayton.

In 2007, Donald Young won the Junior Wimbledon title. This was a big win for him. After this, his ranking quickly went up. He also won his first main ATP Tour match in New Haven. He then played in the US Open and won his first Grand Slam match there. By the end of 2007, he was in the top 100 tennis players in the world.

Climbing the Rankings (2008-2010)

In 2008, Donald Young continued to improve his ranking, getting into the top 75. He had some good wins, including beating former world No. 2 Tommy Haas. He also won a Challenger tournament in Sacramento.

The next couple of years, 2009 and 2010, saw him play in many tournaments. He won a few Challenger events, which are smaller professional tournaments. These wins helped him gain experience and improve his game.

Breakthrough Year (2011)

2011 was a very important year for Donald Young. At the Indian Wells tournament, he beat Andy Murray, who was ranked No. 4 in the world at the time. This was his biggest win yet.

At the US Open, he had an amazing run. He won several matches, including a tough five-set victory. He reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first first time. This was a huge achievement for him. Later that year, he made it to his first ATP final in Thailand. He finished 2011 ranked No. 39, his best year-end ranking ever.

Olympic Debut and Later Years (2012-2018)

After his great year in 2011, Donald Young had a tough time in 2012. He lost many matches in a row. However, he got to play in the 2012 Summer Olympics, which was a special experience.

In 2013, he found success again on the Challenger Tour, winning two tournaments. In 2014, he reached the third round of both the Australian Open and the French Open.

Donald Young at the 2014 Open de Nice Côte d'Azur.

In 2015, Donald Young reached another ATP final at the Delray Beach Open. He also had another strong performance at the US Open. He reached the fourth round again, just like in 2011. He had some exciting comeback wins that made him a fan favorite.

The years 2016 and 2017 saw him continue to play well. In 2017, he reached the semifinals of two tournaments. He also made it to the doubles final at the 2017 French Open with Santiago Gonzalez. This was a Grand Slam final, a very big achievement!

Young at Wimbledon in 2017

Later Career and Retirement (2019-2024)

From 2019 to 2023, Donald Young's ranking dropped. He didn't play as many main tour matches. However, he continued to compete.

In 2024, Donald Young played his last matches at the US Open. He teamed up with Taylor Townsend in mixed doubles. They had a fantastic run and reached the final of the tournament. After this, he retired from professional tennis.

World TeamTennis

Donald Young also played in a team tennis league called World TeamTennis. He played for the Philadelphia Freedoms team in several seasons, starting in 2016. In 2020, he helped his team reach the playoffs.