Donald Young, once a promising American tennis prodigy, has had a career filled with ups and downs.
From his early days as a junior champion to his professional career on the ATP Tour, Young’s journey has been one of perseverance and determination.
This article will teach you about Donald Young’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Donald Young’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Oliver Young Jr. |
| Nickname | D-Young |
| Age | 35 |
| Born | July 23, 1989 |
| College | Did not attend (turned pro at 14) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5-10 million |
| Salary | Varies (based on tournament winnings) |
| Wife | Taylor Townsend |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @donaldyoung |
Born to tennis coaches, he was introduced to the sport when he was just a toddler.
Early Career
Early CareerDonald Young’s tennis journey began at an incredibly young age. By the time he was 10, Young was already making waves in junior tournaments.
His exceptional talent was evident when he became the youngest player to win a junior Grand Slam title at the 2005 Australian Open, aged just 15.
This early success led to high expectations and comparisons to other tennis prodigies, setting the stage for his transition to professional tennis.
Professional Career
Young turned pro in 2004 at age 14, but it took several years for him to find his footing on the ATP Tour.
His breakthrough came in 2011 when he reached his first ATP final at the Thailand Open and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 38 in 2012.
He reached the 4th round of the US Open twice (2011 and 2015) and the third round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
While he never won an ATP singles title, Young’s career has been marked by resilience and the ability to compete at the highest level of professional tennis for over a decade.
Wife
Donald Young married fellow tennis player Taylor Townsend in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, later that same year.
Their relationship has been a source of support for both players, with Townsend and Young often seen cheering each other on during tournaments.
Donald Young’s Net Worth Details
Donald Young’s net worth is estimated to be between $5-10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6,390 |
| 2022 | $6,685 |
| 2021 | $7,745 |
| 2020 | $14,424 |
| 2019 | $89,791 |
| 2018 | $287,142 |
| 2017 | $743,116 |
| 2016 | $262,671 |
| 2015 | $351,097 |
| 2014 | $276,977 |
| Career Total | $4,694,665 |
Endorsements
- Wilson: Young has been a long-time user of Wilson tennis racquets.
- Nike: He has worn Nike apparel and shoes for much of his career.
- Rolex: Young has been spotted wearing Rolex watches at events.
Career Records
| Opponent | Win-Loss Record |
|---|---|
| Andy Murray | 1-5 |
| Rafael Nadal | 0-5 |
| Novak Djokovic | 0-4 |
| Roger Federer | 0-4 |
| Stan Wawrinka | 0-3 |
| Gael Monfils | 1-3 |
| John Isner | 2-5 |
| Tomas Berdych | 1-2 |
FAQs
1. When did Donald Young retire from professional tennis?
Donald Young retired from professional tennis in September 2024 after reaching the mixed doubles final at the US Open with partner Taylor Townsend. Though they lost the match, he described the event as a “perfect ending” to his tennis career.
2. What are Donald Young’s career-high ATP rankings?
Young achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 38 in February 2012 and a doubles ranking of No. 43 in August 2017. He also held the No. 1 junior ranking in 2005, becoming the youngest year-end top junior at age 16.
3. What junior records does Donald Young hold?
He became the youngest male to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the 2005 Australian Open (age 15) and the youngest year-end No. 1 junior. He was also the first African-American boy to hold the top junior ranking.
4. Did Donald Young win any Grand Slam titles?
While he never won a Grand Slam singles title, Young reached the 2017 French Open men’s doubles final and the 2024 US Open mixed doubles final. His best singles performances were fourth-round finishes at the 2011 and 2015 US Opens.
5. Why did Donald Young transition to professional pickleball?
After injuries and a decline in ATP rankings, Young switched to pickleball in 2023. He cited the physical toll of tennis, pandemic disruptions, and the accessibility of pickleball as key factors. He now competes in the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA).
6. Who coached Donald Young during his tennis career?
Young was primarily coached by his parents, Illona and Donald Young Sr., both tennis teaching professionals. They guided him from his early childhood through his professional career.
7. What were Donald Young’s most notable performances at the US Open?
He reached the singles fourth round twice (2011, 2015) and the 2024 mixed doubles final. His 2011 run included a win over former champion Andy Murray, while his 2024 doubles campaign marked his retirement.
8. How did early career challenges impact Donald Young?
Criticism arose over his rapid transition to professional tournaments as a teenager, but he overcame this by winning ATP Challenger titles and breaking into the top 100 by late 2007. His resilience became a hallmark of his career.
9. What is Donald Young’s legacy in tennis?
He is remembered as a trailblazing African-American junior star and for his longevity in the sport. Despite not achieving top-tier ATP success, his determination and historic junior achievements inspired many.
10. What is Donald Young doing post-retirement?
He remains active in professional pickleball, competing in PPA events. He also participates in coaching initiatives and promotes racket sports through collaborations with brands like Proton Pickleball.
