Donald Young Continues Terrific Start with Early Indian Wells Win

Reported by Peter Smelser:

American Donald Young continued his strong 2015 ATP World Champion season winning his first round match at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Friday.

Young picked up his 12th victory of the season 6-3, 6-4 defeating Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

“I’m making strides and playing better on a more consistent basis,” Young said after the match.

Young turned pro at the age of 15, but the success he had at the junior level has not all transferred to the pros. Now age 25, Young is taking a different approach to tennis.

“Friends told me when you turn 25 your whole mental state is going to change,” Young said. “When that happened I felt like it did. It really did.”

“The mental aspect of just, you know, it’s my job,” Young continued. “I don’t have a ton more time left. I’m not 15 anymore, so there’s no time to be wasting anymore.”

The Georgia resident reached his first ATP World Tour finals since 2011 at the Delray Beach Open, losing to Ivo Karlovic. Young wants to keep the success going.

“I would love to win the tournament, but I have a match, a tough one the next round against Jeremy Chardy,” Young said. “That’s my primary focus right now. I have to give all my energy and play great to even get through that.”