By Richard Kent, Staff Reporter

NEW YORK — Is he really only 29 years old? Doesn’t seem possible. Donald Young of Atlanta has been playing professional tennis since the tender age 15.

The 6-0 American lefty has won eight singles and three doubles tournaments and made it to the French Open semis in doubles in 2017. He was once considered the great hope of American tennis.

Young had an incredible upset win over Andy Murray at Indian Wells in 2011 and made strong US Open runs in 2011 and 2015, with a huge throng of fans in his corner.

He seems to save his best work for Flushing Meadows, where he is a huge crowd favorite. His signature hat, never fully centered on his head, is a trademark all over the world.

Young has been coached for much of his career by his parents.

He hasn’t had the best year in 2018 and currently sits ranked at no. 234. He will either need a wild card from the USTA or a successful run in the qualifiers, which begin August 21, to once again make it into the main draw.

Of course, it is quite possible that he will compete in doubles, where his game gets more and more honed each year. His volley at the net is vastly improved and he can do some damage in that draw.

Young is a big match player on a big stage and there is no bigger stage than the US Open for this American to show his stars and stripes.