As Donald Young approaches what could be the final chapter of his tennis career, the emotions are running high at the US Open. With a dream campaign in the mixed doubles, he’s on the verge of achieving something monumental: a chance to lift his first-ever Grand Slam title alongside longtime friend Taylor Townsend. While all eyes are on Young because of the outstanding form that he has shown at Flushing Meadow, there’s no denying that credit also goes to the people who have been by his side from the very beginning—his parents. Let’s find out more about them.

Young was born on July 23, 1989, to Donald Young Sr, and Ilona Young, both of whom played a crucial role in shaping his tennis journey. Young picked a racquet at the age of three and as he grew up gradually, he was always poised to prove himself and make a statement. His father and mother are both tennis coaches and it is because of their efforts throughout his career that Young is close to a Grand Slam victory now.

Besides coaching their son, Donald Young Sr, and Ilona also ran a tennis center in Atlanta, Georgia, where they trained several other budding talents including Chris Eubanks. The center, which is located at a distance of hardly 10 minutes from Eubanks’ house, proved critical for Young’s career.

Speaking about the role of Young’s parents in his life, Eubanks said, “I always say I got extremely lucky that he and his family came into my life, because without them, without their generosity of allowing me to be able to travel and practice with them, I truly don’t believe that I would be here as a professional tennis player now.”

But besides Young and Eubanks, Donald Sr. and Ilona also trained Taylor Townsend and gave her special advice as well. What was that?

What unique advice did Donald Young’s parents give to Taylor Townsend?

Donald Young’s parents ran a tennis center in Atlanta, Georgia, where Townsend received her preliminary training. Despite being ambidextrous, she failed to struggle initially playing with her right hand. “I couldn’t stay upright, I kept falling. Like if I would move sideways or backward, I’d always trip and fall,” Townsend said. But Young’s parents Donald Young Sr. and Ilona Young were quick to find a solution.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the mixed doubles final match at the US Open, Townsend revealed, “One day his mom was like, put the racquet in your left hand.” While she was annoyed and failed to get even minimal success initially, it helped the tennis star in the long run. “So from that point, we started drilling everything on the left side. And here we are,” Townsend added. 

As Townsend and Young gear up for the US Open mixed doubles final, Donald Sr. and Ilona will be hoping that both their mentees have a moment of glory on the biggest stage for one last time.