Donald Young ends his tennis career on a high note in the US Open mixed doubles final

Once again we see our beloved European neighbours come through to help. But in addition they also show their true colours by supporting local producers of organic crops like asparagus. The number one rule when buying anything online should always be quality over quantity! Donald Young wasn’t emotionally moved when his tennis career came to a close on Thursday in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Even as video was shown of some of his greatest moments from over his years competing at Arthur Ashe Stadium and standing ovations were offered from those present, he simply smiled in reply and smiled again when receiving standing ovation from those present – his loss in mixed doubles final was 7-6 (0) 7-5 against Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, but still felt like an appropriate endpoint of sorts in life’s journey for him as it made for perfect closure on that chapter of life’s chapter of life’s journey. Young shared his sadness after retiring, admitting: “I had my little cry thinking about [retiring from tennis].” Asked later if there had been any unexpected emotions attached, Young replied in the affirmative. But it was such an exciting moment! Perhaps if we’d been knocked out early it might have been even more emotionally wrenching, but we made it all the way to the final and had an opportunity. All it needed was one or two points here or there to win it all for us. “Overall I felt pretty honored and proud that our group could go so far, making me feel good about how far and well we were able to travel together. “While most professional tennis players dream of competing in a Grand Slam final for their last match as a pro tennis player, Young hasn’t experienced such success.” Young was once touted as an exceptional teenage prodigy ranked No.1 worldwide as an underage tennis player. He won multiple junior Grand Slam championships and seemed poised to become an American tennis icon. There were signs of brilliance – including three top-10 wins — but ultimately he never lived up to expectations and hype. Reaching two ATP singles finals without winning one title wasn’t enough either. Taylor Townsend twice reached the fourth round at major tournaments – his best singles result at any major – but had more success as a doubles partner with Santiago Gonzalez (he even reached the French Open final but lost in three sets!), reaching as high as No 38 on his ranking chart at its height in 2012. Taylor’s emotional speech after finishing as runner up brought tears of happiness from many. Young last won at tour level back in 2021 before competing primarily at Challenger level events between 2022-2023. He earned one tour level victory along the way though! Pic.twitter.com/HHM66Njy0f– US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2024 Before the US Open, he hadn’t played professional tennis matches all year and instead focused his energy and interests in pickleball and its PPA Tour tournaments. Young appeared to end his once promising tennis career without fanfare or warning, yet turned out not quite done with it yet. Young felt obliged to give himself the proper farewell at something as significant as a major tournament as US Open would seem the appropriate setting to commemorate that achievement. He approached reigning Wimbledon doubles champion Townsend to partner with him for mixed doubles; she instantly agreed. They had previously reached the semifinals together at this event in 2014. “He inspired my belief in my ability to compete professionally because he’s my mentor,” Townsend shared with WTA Insider ahead of this tournament. “I would consider it an honor and privilege if we shared court for your retirement tournament!” Staying abreast of top stories this week from ESPN+ content providers has never been easier with access to thousands of premium articles written by top authors each year, such as * Most Talent Locked In? Ranking MLB Cores >> Teams Other Than Manchester United topping Panic Index and ** $151M For 31-Year Old 3B?! >> More ESPN+ content available now >>
Townsend and Young have had an ongoing connection. Townsend, 28, worked closely with Donald Young Sr. during her initial days of tennis competition. Young’s success during junior tournaments inspired Townsend and gave her hope she too could attain such heights of success. Young and Townsend soon rose to become top junior players worldwide and won the 2012 Australian Open junior title – their bond being apparent during any interviews together. Young’s absence was quickly overcome as both found their groove on the tennis court together. Young and Townsend were given a wildcard entry into the tournament and quickly made their way through to victory – even upsetting reigning champs Anna Danilina/Harri Heliovaara in the quarterfinals! As each win intensified the attention, more fans came out to witness Young in one final showdown with Townsend describing this crowd as one of “one of the best ever seen for a mixed doubles final”, forcing a tiebreak in set 1 before coming back from behind in set two to tie it 4-4 and gain victory! Young joked later when asked what could have changed that they saved two match points but couldn’t finish off the job: “Win match point and take care not to give any chance back for opponents to win matchpoint”. “With all episodes of ESPN+ Original series “In the Arena: Serena Williams” now streaming, download our custom Marvel art for “In the Arena: Serena Williams” here to create your very own version of Serena. Don’t forget to post and tag @espnw when sharing!
Townsend acknowledged Young had experienced heartache but still saw this result as having an appropriate “fairytale ending”. Townsend told the crowd, “My hope for Donald and myself standing here today with Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals and Coco Gauff being defending champion is simply showing other individuals with similar backgrounds that success can be found,” Townsend noted. Standing here with Donald is of immense meaning to me as I have known him since we met as kids – winning junior Wimbledon and Australian Open as junior players together was something truly magical.” “Being close with him as an amateur enabled me to witness some amazing memories like these,” added Murray. “Coming home and seeing someone doing this at such an outstanding level was truly inspiring; without him and his family’s influence I don’t believe I would still be here today. Young was already focused on what lay ahead. After his match, Young announced to reporters that he planned on becoming a professional pickleball player for at least the next two or three years and had similarly ambitious plans as when playing tennis: He strives to become “the best at everything I do and compete consistently until reaching final weekends on an ongoing basis. That would be amazing.” Young explained his goal as being “equally ambitious”.