A stunning victory at the 2026 Australian Open has been overshadowed by a significant financial dilemma for the young American who achieved it.
College Star's Grand Slam Triumph
Michael Zheng, a 21-year-old psychology student and two-time NCAA champion from Columbia University, pulled off a major first-round upset in Melbourne on Sunday. In a thrilling five-set battle, he defeated his more experienced compatriot, former quarter-finalist Sebastian Korda, with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-3.
The victory, which followed a successful run through the qualifying rounds, has already accrued AU$225,000 (approximately £112,000) in prize money. However, due to his status as a college athlete, Zheng faces the prospect of being unable to claim the vast majority of this sum.
The NCAA Prize Money Cap
Current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations strictly limit the amount of prize money an amateur student-athlete can accept. The cap is set at just $10,000 (around £7,500), a fraction of the earnings from his Australian Open run so far.
This rule exists even as athletes are now permitted to benefit from name, image, and likeness (NIL) commercial deals, creating what Zheng described as a "blurry" line between amateur and professional status. "I feel like it's gotten blurrier than it used to be in some ways," the tennis star admitted after his match.
Uncertainty and Future Talks
Zheng, who intends to return to Columbia University to complete his final semester after the tournament, expressed confusion over his specific situation. He has heard rumours that he may be allowed to keep the money as it is his final spring term, but is seeking official clarity.
"I'll talk to our head coach, try to figure out, you know, what's the deal with the prize money, if I'm allowed to take it or not," Zheng stated. "I don't want to get in trouble or anything. So yeah, I'll speak to our head coach, and I'll try to sort that out afterwards."
The issue is part of a wider debate on athlete compensation. A legal challenge against the NCAA's prize money rules, led by college tennis player Reese Brantmeier, is scheduled to go to trial later this year.
For now, Zheng's focus shifts to his second-round match against France's Corentin Moutet, with the significant question of his substantial winnings remaining unresolved.
