Harrison beat Young 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) in the first round clash, but it was on Twitter after the match that the sparks really flew.
Young took to social media to allege that Harrison had made a racial remark about him:
"I'm shocked and disappointed, Ryan Harrison, to hear you tell me how you really feel about me as a black tennis player in the middle of our NY match," the 28-year-old said.
"I thought this was supposed to be an inclusive gentleman's sport."
It did not take Harrison long to respond, and he strongly denied the allegations.
"The accusations made by Donald Young tonight following our match are absolutely untrue. I'm extremely disappointed that someone would say this in reaction to a lost tennis match," said the 25-year-old.
"Any video/audio will 100% clear me and I encourage anyone with the available resources to find it."
Harrison, the tournament's sixth seed, will take on Croatia's Ivo Karlovic in the second round on Wednesday.
I’m shocked and disappointed, Ryan Harrison, to hear you tell me how you really feel about me as a black tennis player in the middle of our NY match. I thought this was supposed to be an inclusive gentleman’s sport.
— Donald Young Jr (@Yimlife1313) February 13, 2018
The accusations made by Donald Young tonight following our match are absolutely untrue. I’m extremely disappointed that someone would say this in reaction to a lost tennis match. Any video/audio will 100% clear me and I encourage anyone with the available resources to find it.
— Ryan Harrison (@ryanharrison92) February 13, 2018