Donald Young Embraces Pickleball After US Open Farewell

Donald Young Embraces Pickleball After US Open Farewell

Donald Young, a former tennis professional, has officially transitioned to pickleball after a remarkable run at the US Open. Young and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final as wild cards, but just days later, Young traded his racquet for a paddle to compete in the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam.

Young had been contemplating retirement for some time and decided to make the US Open his final tournament. He was thrilled when Townsend agreed to partner with him in mixed doubles. “I’ve known her since birth,” Young said. “It was cool.”

Despite the stress of the US Open, Young managed to find time for a single pickleball session before the tournament. He teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleballer since 2020, and reached the Round of 16, defeating former tennis pro Jack Sock.

Young also competed in mixed doubles and singles, but fell short in both events. However, he remains optimistic about his future in pickleball. “I’ve got [Townsend] out a couple of times; she really enjoys it,” Young said. “Hopefully, I’m still playing and we can run it back one time.”

Young’s transition to pickleball is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Donald Young's Pickleball Skills Shine in US Open Mixed Doubles

Donald Young’s Pickleball Skills Shine in US Open Mixed Doubles

Donald Young, the former tennis prodigy, has found a new lease on his sporting career in pickleball. After a 14-month hiatus from tennis, Young has teamed up with Taylor Townsend to compete in the US Open mixed doubles tournament.

Despite being wild-card entrants, Young and Townsend have impressed with their performances, winning their first two matches in straight sets and prevailing in a dramatic 10-8 match tiebreaker in the third round. Their success has been built on Young’s newfound skills in pickleball, a sport that emphasizes soft touch and precision.

Young’s transition to pickleball has been seamless, as evidenced by his victories over top-ranked players like Connor Garnett and Jay Devilliers. He has also teamed up with Devilliers to defeat Tyson McGuffin and Jack Sock, another tennis player who has made the switch to pickleball.

While Young’s focus is currently on pickleball, he has not ruled out a return to tennis. “We’ll get to the end when we get to the end, but we’re still playing,” he said. “It’s great to play here one more time.”

Young’s resurgence in mixed doubles is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Despite never reaching the Top 10 in singles, he has carved out a successful career in tennis and is now making a name for himself in pickleball.

Pegula and Shelton Advance at Cincinnati Open Despite Packed Schedule

Pegula and Shelton Advance at Cincinnati Open Despite Packed Schedule

Jessica Pegula’s relentless pursuit of success continued at the Cincinnati Open, where she navigated a challenging day with impressive efficiency.

After securing her title defense at the WTA 1000 event in Canada, Pegula returned to action in Ohio, facing a packed schedule due to rain delays. Despite the demanding circumstances, she showcased her versatility and determination.

In her opening match, Pegula faced a formidable opponent in Karolina Muchova, last year’s finalist. Despite a slow start, she rallied to secure a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Later in the evening, Pegula faced another American, Taylor Townsend. With her trademark consistency, she dispatched Townsend 6-2, 6-3, setting up a clash with Leylah Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Ben Shelton continued his impressive run in the men’s draw. After surviving a match point scare in his previous match, Shelton adjusted his tactics to defeat Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-3.

Shelton’s victory earned him a quarterfinal matchup against third seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Pablo Carreño Busta in straight sets.

Pegula’s success in Cincinnati is a testament to her unwavering focus and ability to adapt to different conditions. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has established her as a formidable force on the WTA Tour.

Taylor Townsend: A Warrior on and Off the Court

Taylor Townsend: A Warrior on and Off the Court

Taylor Townsend, the 28-year-old American tennis star, is enjoying a career-best season, reaching new heights in both singles and doubles. Despite her grueling schedule, Townsend remains determined to continue improving and is embracing her authentic self on and off the court.

After a successful three-week stretch that included a doubles title in Washington, D.C., and a quarterfinal appearance at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Townsend is now competing in Cincinnati. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering belief in her abilities have been key to her recent success.

Townsend’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges. As a mother of a three-year-old son, she has had to balance her tennis career with her family life. However, she credits her son, A.J., as her biggest fan and a source of motivation.

On the court, Townsend has been bridging the gap between her practice and match persona, resulting in more consistent performances. She attributes her success to her commitment to authenticity and her belief that she is a “warrior” built for this sport.

Townsend’s unique personality and casual swagger have made her a fan favorite. She is unapologetically herself, both on and off the court, and her genuine nature resonates with fans.

Despite her success, Townsend remains grounded and focused on her goals. She is not chasing social media likes or trying to fit into a mold. Instead, she is embracing her individuality and using it as a source of strength.

Townsend’s next vacation will not come until October, when she will be a bridesmaid in a wedding. However, she is determined to make the most of her time off and relax before returning to the grind.

In the meantime, Townsend is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. Her warrior spirit and unwavering determination make her a formidable opponent and an inspiration to fans around the world.

Taylor Townsend's Candid Take on Tennis Travel Struggles

Taylor Townsend’s Candid Take on Tennis Travel Struggles

Taylor Townsend’s remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto as a lucky loser has been overshadowed by her candid revelation of the arduous travel challenges faced by tennis players.

After losing to fellow American Navarro on Saturday, Townsend faced a daunting task: reaching Mason, Ohio’s Lindner Family Tennis Center in less than 24 hours for her first-round qualifying match at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The quick turnaround and exorbitant flight costs left her exasperated.

“I am so overwhelmed. This is the sh– that people don’t see,” Townsend posted on Instagram.

With flights costing $1,400 per person, Townsend and her team opted to rent a car and drive the nearly 500 miles between Toronto and Cincinnati. They embarked on their overnight journey at 9 p.m. Saturday, arriving at 5 a.m. after Townsend slept in the car.

Despite the grueling travel, Townsend’s determination remained unwavering. Seeded No. 12 in qualifying, she secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Chloe Paquet and will face Katie Volynets on Monday for a spot in the main draw.

“Powered through the day and got the W,” Townsend posted after the match.

Townsend’s resilience and honesty have resonated with fans and tennis experts alike. On Tennis Channel Live, Paul Annacone praised her effort, saying, “That’s a heck of an effort. Welcome to the world of tennis … that’s how we live.”

Townsend’s experience highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by tennis players, particularly those outside the top ranks. The high costs of travel and the relentless schedule can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.

Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

Taylor Townsend, the American tennis star, has made a significant breakthrough in her singles career by reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto. This is the first time she has advanced to the last eight in a WTA singles tournament.

Townsend’s impressive victory came against Jelena Ostapenko, the No. 11-ranked player in the world. Townsend dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just an hour. This victory marks Townsend’s third-biggest win of her career, after defeating Simona Halep and Jessica Pegula in previous tournaments.

Townsend’s success in singles is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has previously struggled in round-of-16 matches, going 0-12 before this tournament. However, she has now broken that pattern and is poised to make a deep run in Toronto.

In addition to her singles success, Townsend is also a highly accomplished doubles player. She has won seven WTA doubles titles, including the prestigious Wimbledon title this year with Katerina Siniakova. Townsend has also captured a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati last year with Alycia Parks.

Townsend’s rise in the doubles rankings has been equally impressive. She cracked the doubles Top 10 for the first time last year and set a career-high ranking of No. 5 last June. She has won her last two doubles tournaments coming into Toronto, but was ousted in the second round in Canada with Sloane Stephens.

Townsend’s next challenge in the singles quarterfinals will be against another American, Emma Navarro. Navarro edged Marta Kostyuk in her third-round match, 7-5, 7-5. The two Americans will face off on Saturday for a spot in the semifinals.

Townsend’s success in both singles and doubles is a testament to her versatility and talent. She is a rising star in the tennis world and is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

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