FLUSHING, N.Y. (BASN) -- Donald Young was once the tennis hope of America. No less of a star than John McEnroe hit with him when Young was a young teen and helped convince his agency group IMG to sign him immediately.

Since then, Young has done little to deserve the praise.

This year, he lost yet another first round match in a major. This time to seeded Tommy Robredo. He did take one set from Robredo.

Since when is 20 too old? Maybe with Young.He has been a pro for five years and has never won a singles or doubles title.

The 6-0, 160 pound lefty is, according to many experts not doing himself any favors by training at his parents' academy in Atlanta instead of at a USTA facility. Perhaps that is what prevented him from getting a wild card into this year's U.S. Open.

Perhaps that is what will disqualify him from getting any further wild cards into other majors. His level of play is simply not improving and he could use some more skilled coaching.

He had to qualify this year at the Open and did win three qualifying matches to get in.

Maybe Young simply had too much potential at a young age.

Many thought that he had arrived in 2007 when he won two matches at the Open and made the third round. Much publicity surrounded him and he did not live up to the hype.

He has never won another singles match in any other major and he has played in many majors over the years.

Next year should be a critical one for Young. He needs to consider changing his training regimen. If he continues losing in the first round of tournaments, he may need to consider giving up the professional game.

It is that serious.