Donald Young captured the tennis world’s attention as a teenage prodigy and built a long professional career that spanned two decades. Although he retired from professional tenni to pursue pickleball, fans still follow his journey and financial success closely.
In this article, you will know Donald Young’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and his new path.
Donald Young’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Oliver Young Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1989 |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2004 |
| Retired | September 2024 |
| Net Worth | $2 Million – $5 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Prize Money | $4,694,661 |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @donaldyoungjr |
| Twitter Profile | @donaldyoungjr |
Early Career
Donald Young started playing tennis at a very young age under the guidance of his parents. He quickly became the number one junior player in the world. He won the junior Australian Open in 2005 at just 15 years old.
This victory made him the youngest male to ever win a junior Grand Slam title at that time. He followed this success by winning the Wimbledon junior title later, which cemented his status as a top prospect.
His junior success created massive expectations for his future. Tennis experts and fans predicted he would become the next great American champion. He turned professional in 2004 at the age of 15.
The transition from juniors to the main ATP tour proved difficult initially. He struggled to win matches against stronger and more experienced adult players.
Despite these early challenges, his talent was undeniable, and he continued to work on his game to compete at the highest level.​
Professional Career
Young played on the professional tour for twenty years before his retirement in 2024. He reached his highest singles ranking of World No. 38 in February 2012. His career had several highlight moments, including reaching the fourth round of the US Open twice.
He also made it to the final of the French Open in men’s doubles in 2017. Throughout his time on tour, he was known for his lefty forehand and all-court game.
He officially retired from professional tennis at the 2024 US Open. He finished his career on a high note by reaching the mixed doubles final alongside his close friend Taylor Townsend.
Although they lost the final, the crowd gave him a standing ovation for his contributions to the sport. After leaving tennis, Young joined the PPA Tour to play professional pickleball. He now competes regularly in pickleball tournaments across the United States.​​
Coach
Donald Young was coached primarily by his parents throughout his life. His father, Donald Young Sr., and his mother, Illona Young, are both tennis coaches who trained him from childhood.
They traveled with him to tournaments and managed his development. At different points in his career, the USTA also provided coaching support. He worked briefly with other coaches like Mike Sell, but he almost always returned to his parents’ guidance.
His close relationship with his parents remained a constant factor during his two decades on the ATP tour.​
Donald Young’s Net Worth Details
Aa of 2025, Donald Young has an estimated net worth between $2 million and $5 million. This wealth comes from his tournament prize money, sponsorship deals, and his current earnings as a professional pickleball player.​
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $100,000+ (Est. Mixed Doubles Run) |
| 2017 | $926,672 |
| 2016 | $509,236 |
| 2015 | $726,168 |
| 2014 | $548,564 |
| 2013 | $145,379 |
| 2012 | $262,902 |
| 2011 | $425,315 |
| Total | $4,694,661 |
Endorsements
Donald Young’s financial success. He signed a huge contract with Nike immediately after his dominant junior victories. He also partnered with Head for his tennis racquets during his prime years on the tour.
As he continued his career, he eventually switched to K-Swiss for his on-court gear. He later represented lifestyle brands like Boast and Grand AC during his matches.
In 2025, he builds new partnerships as he competes full-time on the professional pickleball tour.​​
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Career Win-Loss (Singles) | 124 – 190 |
| Career Titles (Singles) | 0 |
| Highest Ranking | No. 38 |
| Grand Slam Best (Singles) | 4th Round (US Open 2011, 2015) |
| Grand Slam Best (Doubles) | Finalist (French Open 2017) |
| Grand Slam Best (Mixed) | Finalist (US Open 2024) |
FAQs
1. What is Donald Young doing after his tennis retirement?
After retiring from professional tennis, he officially transitioned to playing professional pickleball. He now competes regularly on the PPA Tour against other top athletes in this rapidly growing sport.
2. Did Young ever reach a Grand Slam final?
He reached two major finals during his professional career. He finished as the runner-up in men’s doubles at the 2017 French Open and later in mixed doubles at the 2024 US Open.
3. Why was Young considered a significant tennis prodigy?
He dominated the junior circuit as a teenager, winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon junior titles. He famously became the youngest male player ever to reach the world number one junior ranking.
4. Who served as Young’s primary coach on tour?
His parents, Donald Sr. and Illona, served as his primary coaches throughout his entire professional journey. They trained him from childhood and traveled with him for most of his ATP tournaments.
5. What was Young’s highest ranking in singles tennis?
He achieved his career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 in February 2012. Although he aimed for the top 10, he maintained a steady presence on the ATP tour for two decades.
