Chicago Tennis Prodigy Got Next

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Dec 22, 2004 3:13PM

Chicagoist is sure you didn't need another story of a teenager making millions (No, really, we're just fine in our drafty apartment, thank you very much), but Newsweek has added to the hype of Chicago's Donald Young.

Young, the 15-year-old tennis star, was featured in Newsweek's 'Who's Next' issue. You know, the issue with the ubiquitous Barack Obama on the cover.

Young, who grew up in Chicago but now trains in Atlanta, went pro last year at 14 and already has endorsement deals from Nike and Head. And that's just the start of it. Young has drawn comparisons to John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, but the real comparison might be with Tiger Woods. C'mon, a tennis superstar of color? Tell us that the USTA isn't popping a few strings on its racket over that thought.

In the article, Young's father defended the controversial decision to go pro at 14. Those flights to tennis tournaments don't pay for themselves, you know.

"All we're trying to do is what it takes to make Donald the best player ever," Donald Sr. said.

And that'll take the pressure right off.

Needless to say, get used to seeing and hearing about Young. He might become the next tennis superstar. He might even save the sport.

Thanks, Greg!

Image via Newsweek