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With his slight frame and baby face, Donald Young is still very much a boy.

Like a lot of 18-year-olds his sporting heroes are Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. But unlike the bulk of his peers, he has a chance to emulate them.

The crafty left-hander has been a star on the youth circuit for a few years now and won Junior Wimbledon last season before stepping up to senior level, where he has been an instant success.

Already he's number 73 in the world and he aims to enhance his status further by winning the XL Bermuda Open this week, as he warms up for the French Open.

Anyone who saw him blitz Aussie Greg Jones in straight sets on Monday night on what he claims was a 'bad day', will know he's serious.

Young has been hyped as the next big thing in American tennis since he was a kid, with pundits like John McEnroe hailing him as a unique talent.

And his ambitions fit his reputation as the biggest junior talent the States has produced since Andre Agassi.

"I want to win all the Slams more than once and be number one in the world for a long time," he says, matter-of-fact, when asked about his ambitions in the game.

This year his aims are more modest - to make the top 50 in the world and to win his first ATP Challenger Tour event - preferably in Bermuda.

"It's a high level event and the goal is definitely to win. It's my first time here in Bermuda. The hotels are amazing, it's beautiful - an awesome experience, hopefully it can be a memorable one."

Young faces Pablo Cuevas - who beat Robby Ginepri yesterday - in round two.

The youngster, who also played soccer and baseball to a relatively high level before deciding to focus on tennis, grew up admiring guys like Agassi, Pete Sampras and John McEnroe - 'all the great American players'.

He grew up in Chicago and is coached by his parents Donald senior and Illona who now run a tennis academy just outside Atlanta.

He credits his mother and father, who were in the crowd for his win on Monday, for getting him this far in the sport.

"They are everything to me in tennis. I wouldn't be at this level if it wasn't for them."

Young has already had a taste of the big time, reaching the third round of the U.S. Open last year, before losing to Felize Lopez.

Earlier this year he made it through to the third round of the Masters Series event at Indian Wells, California before coming unstuck against multiple French Open champion Rafael Nadal.

Young admits it's a nerve racking experience playing against guys like Nadal, but he is convinced if he can bulk up a bit and get more games against the top guys, he can be competitive.

"With Nadal I was very nervous. It was like I was coming on to his stage.

"I had a lot of good shots and a few chances to break. I think if I play at that level more often I'll feel more comfortable."

It's been a tough transition for Young, from beating up on boys his own age, to playing against established senior players week in week out. He's been accused of having the craft, but lacking the power to play against the top men in the modern day game.

"I need to get physically stronger to help me play five set matches in the Slams," he acknowledges.[[In-content Ad]]

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