{"id":378008,"date":"2026-01-19T05:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T05:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/378008\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T05:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T05:29:09","slug":"why-university-student-21-wont-be-able-to-claim-75000-prize-money-despite-australian-open-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/378008\/","title":{"rendered":"Why university student, 21, won’t be able to claim \u00a375,000 prize money despite Australian Open win"},"content":{"rendered":"

Michael Zheng has pulled off one of the most remarkable upsets in Grand Slam history, and it’s a story that’s absolutely brilliant.<\/p>\n

The 21-year-old Columbia University student stunned former Australian Open quarter-finalist Seb Korda in the first round at Melbourne, battling through five thrilling sets to claim victory.<\/p>\n

What makes this even more impressive? Zheng wasn’t even supposed to be in the main draw.<\/p>\n

The psychology student had to fight his way through three qualifying matches just to earn his spot in the tournament proper.<\/p>\n

It’s the kind of underdog tale tennis fans absolutely love.<\/p>\n

Here’s where the story takes a frustrating turn for Zheng, though.<\/p>\n

Despite earning \u00a375,000 in prize money for navigating qualifying and reaching the second round, the American student is barred from keeping it.<\/p>\n

Main Draw Dreaming \u2728<\/p>\n

Qualifier Michael Zheng takes out former World No.15 Korda 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-7 6-3 on his main draw debut!#AO26<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/E3yR0Q5ZE6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

NCAA regulations prevent college athletes from pocketing more than \u00a35,000 annually from tournament winnings while they’re still enrolled at university.<\/p>\n

It’s a rule that feels particularly harsh given the magnitude of what Zheng has just achieved on one of tennis’s biggest stages.<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, there are growing calls for tennis authorities to revisit these prize money regulations that affect student players competing at the highest level.<\/p>\n

\"TennisFive facts for tennis fans | GETTY\/PA<\/p>\n

Zheng himself seems to be taking the prize money situation in his stride, though he’s clearly keen to explore his options.<\/p>\n

“I feel like it’s gotten blurrier than it used to be in some ways in terms of the line between turning pro and staying in college,” he said after his victory.<\/p>\n

The American confirmed he’s committed to completing his studies: “I still have one more semester at Columbia, which I do intend to finish.<\/p>\n

“So whenever my run here is done, I’m going back to school.”<\/p>\n

\"Michael<\/p>\n

Michael Zheng is on top of the world following his win at the Australian Open<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

He added: “I’ll talk to our head coach, try to figure out what’s the deal with the prize money, if I’m allowed to take it or not.”<\/p>\n

Zheng has also heard whispers that he might be able to claim the money since it’s his final spring semester, but he wants to double-check before risking his eligibility.<\/p>\n

“I want to make sure there’s nothing wrong with eligibility if I take it. I don’t want to get in trouble or anything,” he explained.<\/p>\n

The young American made history last November when he became the first player since Steve Johnson to win back-to-back NCAA championships.<\/p>\n

His Melbourne adventure isn’t over yet either \u2013 Zheng will next face French player Corentin Moutet in the second round, where another upset could be on the cards.<\/p>\n