PicklePod: Donald Young's Message to Tennis Pros Outside the Top 100 | Podcast
Donald Young, a former tennis prodigy and seasoned professional, has had a storied career that has lasted over a decade.
With two ATP singles titles, seven doubles titles, and a career-high ranking of World No. 38, Young made a significant impact on the tennis world. As he makes his tennis to pickleball transition, Young brings the same competitive drive and passion that propelled his success on the tennis court.
Recently, he joined Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields on the PicklePod (subscribe here) to discuss his journey from tennis to pickleball, sharing valuable insights from both sports.
This episode covered a wide range of topics, including Young's final tennis tournament at the US Open, where he made the most of his farewell, soaking in every moment. They also discussed the growing financial opportunities in pickleball compared to tennis, offering a unique look into the business side of both sports.
Finally, Young touched on the challenge of adapting tennis techniques to pickleball, especially mastering the backhand flick and his excitement about opening a new 20-court pickleball facility in Atlanta.
There's so much great stuff in this podcast. Let's get into it.
Reflecting on His Final Tennis to Pickleball Farewell at the US Open
In what would be his last professional tennis event, Donald Young made the most of the experience, soaking in every moment at the US Open. From collecting memorabilia to enjoying time with family, he approached the tournament with a deep sense of finality.
While the pressure was higher than expected, the unexpected run to the finals in mixed doubles made the experience both fulfilling and emotionally significant. As ESPN reported, Young received a standing ovation following his final match, a testament to the career he built and the fans he inspired.
Jason Flamm
Social Media Buzz Over 'Pickleball Pro Makes US Open Final' Graphic
A playful social media post suggesting that a pickleball pro had made the US Open final stirred up controversy among tennis fans. Many took the graphic seriously, missing the humor behind it.
Young and the hosts laughed about the reactions, noting how serious tennis fans can be when it comes to their sport.
Financial Realities: Tennis vs. Pickleball
For athletes outside the tennis top 100, pickleball offers a more financially stable career path.
Young highlights the differences, explaining how tennis players often struggle to cover travel and coaching expenses, while pickleball players benefit from guaranteed salaries and sponsorships. The conversation sheds light on the growing financial opportunities within pickleball, even for players who are not ranked at the very top.
As Yahoo Sports reported following his US Open farewell, Young made clear that pickleball represents a fresh start, one that aligns with his goals of competing at the highest level while maintaining financial stability. This is a central theme behind why the tennis to pickleball switch has become so appealing to players at every level of the professional game.
Early Days at the 2022 Atlanta Open and the Tennis to Pickleball Journey
Young's first encounter with professional pickleball was at the 2022 Atlanta Open, where he observed top players like Julian Arnold and the Johns brothers. Although he hadn't yet played competitively, the event piqued his interest, marking the beginning of his tennis to pickleball transition.
When it comes to training, Young strikes a balance between intensity and enjoyment. He trains four days a week, often with players like Alvaro Terrón and Rafa Hewett. His sessions last several hours, and while his pickleball regimen isn't quite as demanding as his tennis days, it's clear he takes preparation seriously.
Mastering the Backhand Flick: A Common Challenge for Former Tennis Players
The backhand flick has proven to be one of the toughest skills for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. Young admits this is one area he's working on, with the grip and wrist action being particularly tricky.
The hosts offer insights into how this shot, especially cross-court, requires an entirely different technique than what tennis players are used to. Hear what he had to say about developing a better backhand flick here.
Forehand Power: Young's Signature Weapon on the Pickleball Court
Known for his forehand power, Young's compact, explosive swing has made waves in the pickleball world. The hosts agree that few players hit the forehand as hard as he does, with his tennis background giving him a unique advantage.
His ability to generate power from short swings is something that sets him apart on the court. Understanding common mistakes tennis players make when transitioning to pickleball helps explain why Young's forehand translates so naturally while the backhand flick remains a work in progress.
A Word to Tennis Players Outside the Top 100
For tennis players ranked outside the top 100, Young offers some advice: try pickleball. He emphasizes the more relaxed atmosphere and the accessibility of the sport, which allows players of all levels to have fun and improve.
Unlike tennis, pickleball makes it easier to play casually with friends, providing a more enjoyable and social experience. This advice applies not just to pros, but also to recreational players who want to explore the skills from racquet sports that translate to pickleball as well.
Building a Pickleball Facility in Atlanta
Young is working on a new project: a 20-court pickleball facility in Atlanta. The facility, located in Peachtree City, will cater to serious players while still offering a welcoming environment for families and casual players.
With indoor courts, stadium seating, and a bar area in the works, the project is set to become a top destination for pickleball in the region. For those wondering where to find great courts and community, Young's facility is a model for what the best pickleball facilities in America look like.
If Not Pickleball, What's Next?
When asked what he would be doing if not for pickleball, Young reflects on his passion for mentoring young athletes. While tennis will always be a part of his life, he sees himself helping kids both on and off the court, sharing lessons learned from his career.
However, for now, pickleball has become his primary focus, and he's grateful for the new opportunities the sport has brought into his life. Young's story mirrors that of other former tennis pros who have found community and purpose through the tennis to pickleball path.
A YouTube Crash Course on Pickleball
When it comes to learning pickleball, DY is like us: he watched YouTube. Hear Donald discuss which players he started emulating and learning from and how he cut his teeth during those early days of pickleball.
Learning from watching the pros is a proven strategy, and if you want to fast-track your improvement, studying how to get better at pickleball by watching pros play is a great place to start.
The MLP Experience: A Team Dynamic
Team play in Major League Pickleball (MLP) has been a refreshing change for Young, who comes from an individual sport like tennis. He enjoys the camaraderie and fellowship that comes with playing on a team, where every player's contribution is essential. The pressure of team dynamics is different, but it's a challenge he's embraced.
Erik Tice
Should MLP Feature More Singles Play?
The podcast discusses whether Major League Pickleball should incorporate more singles play, especially given the rising excitement around the format. Young and the hosts agree that while doubles remains the focal point, singles could bring a new level of excitement to the sport, with more athleticism and dynamic shot-making on display.
For context, check out the MLP new 20-team format announcement to understand how the league is evolving.
Joining Team Proton: How It All Began
Young recalls how he joined Team Proton after trying a paddle that fit his spin-heavy style. From there, his relationship with the brand grew, and he's now a key ambassador for the company. He explains how Proton paddles offer the perfect balance of power and spin, making them ideal for his game.
Jason Flamm
Looking Ahead: UPA-A Certification Plans for 2025
The discussion moves to the upcoming UPA-A certification changes in pickleball, which will introduce new standards for paddles by 2025. Young offers his perspective, particularly on the potential limits for spin and power.
He advocates for more spin, as it adds excitement to the game, while also suggesting that the power of paddles may need to be dialed back to prioritize skill over brute force.
The Dink Media Team
Power vs. Spin: What's Best for the Future of Pickleball?
Young shares his thoughts on the ongoing debate about whether pickleball should prioritize power or spin. As someone who has experienced the evolution of both sports equipment and playing styles, he believes spin adds more excitement and nuance to the game.
Power, on the other hand, can sometimes detract from skillful play, making spin a more favorable direction for the sport's future. This debate connects naturally to broader questions about advanced pickleball strategy and how players at every level should approach shot selection.
Jason Flamm
Virginia Beach Timeout Gate: Controversy at the PPA Event
The podcast also touches on the recent controversy at the PPA Virginia Beach event, where the Johns brothers were penalized for walking off the court without properly calling a timeout. The point deduction turned the momentum, leading to a loss.
This incident raises questions about refereeing consistency and how strict officiating can impact high-level matches. It also points to the broader discussion about cheating in pickleball and whether stricter penalties are needed.
Young's Experience at the Bubbly Championships
Reflecting on his time at the Bubbly Championships, Young recalls how it was a major stepping stone in his pickleball journey. Surrounded by top players, the event exposed him to higher competition and solidified his passion for the sport.
Playing alongside Anna Leigh Waters and other top pros, Young was able to see firsthand the skill and intensity that define elite pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Donald Young's tennis career highlight before his tennis to pickleball move?
Donald Young achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 38 and won two ATP singles titles and seven doubles titles. His most memorable tennis moment before his tennis to pickleball transition was reaching the mixed doubles final at the 2024 US Open alongside Taylor Townsend.
Why do tennis players outside the top 100 find pickleball more financially rewarding?
Players outside the top 100 in tennis often struggle to break even due to high travel, coaching, and entry fee costs. In pickleball, guaranteed salaries, team contracts through MLP, and sponsorship deals provide a more stable income structure even for players who are not ranked at the very top.
What is the hardest tennis skill to unlearn when making the tennis to pickleball switch?
The backhand flick is widely considered the biggest technical challenge for former tennis players. The grip pressure, compact wrist action, and cross-court angle required in pickleball are fundamentally different from the mechanics tennis players have spent years drilling, making it one of the most common hurdles in the tennis to pickleball transition.
How does Major League Pickleball differ from professional tennis in terms of team dynamics?
MLP is a team-based format, which is a significant cultural shift for players coming from individual sports like tennis. Young described the camaraderie, accountability, and shared energy of team play as one of the most enjoyable and refreshing aspects of his new career in professional pickleball.
What advice does Donald Young have for recreational pickleball players who want to improve?
Young encourages players to watch professional pickleball matches closely and study how top pros handle specific situations, particularly around the kitchen line and during dinking exchanges. He also emphasizes that consistent training and playing with better opponents are the fastest paths to real improvement in the game.
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