Michael Zheng risks losing significant prize money after injury at Australian Open
Michael Zheng, a senior at Columbia University, is poised to forfeit more than £100,000 in prize money following his impressive run at the Australian Open, where he became a first-round giant-killer before injury cut short his tournament, reports BritPanorama.
The 21-year-old American, who turns 22 next week, made his Grand Slam debut as a qualifier, defeating former Melbourne quarter-finalist Sebastian Korda in the first round.
However, his journey ended in the second round against 32nd seed Corentin Moutet, when a leg injury forced him to withdraw during the latter stages of the match. Forfeiting this amount is compounded by NCAA regulations limiting college athletes’ annual earnings to $10,000 (approximately £7,440), which means Zheng cannot retain the bulk of his winnings.
In the match against Moutet, Zheng claimed the opening set 6-3, but the Frenchman responded emphatically, taking the next two sets 6-1, 6-2. Zheng required medical attention at the beginning of the third set, receiving treatment on his left leg before attempting to continue. Despite his determination, he managed only two more games before conceding the match.
The injury overshadowed his earlier achievements, notably becoming the first player in 13 years to win consecutive NCAA singles titles, which highlighted his potential. Following his victory over Korda, Zheng remarked on the increasingly complex landscape facing student athletes competing at the highest level.
“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 stated. The American confirmed his intention to return to his studies once his Australian campaign concluded, saying, “So whenever my run here is done, I’m going back to school.”
Zheng expressed uncertainty regarding his potential earnings, noting, “I’ve heard rumours that I’m allowed to take it because it’s my senior spring, but I want to make sure to double-check.” Columbia University is currently collaborating with the NCAA to clarify the situation, as a spokesperson confirmed they are “working with the NCAA to see exactly what is permissible.”
This predicament mirrors that of Maya Joint, who similarly surrendered over £100,000 after reaching the second round at the 2024 US Open while enrolled at the University of Texas before subsequently turning professional. Joint has since joined legal proceedings alongside fellow player Reese Brantmeier from the University of North Carolina, who received $50,000 from the United States Tennis Association in March 2024.
The upcoming trial concerning these restrictions, scheduled for November, not only implicates individual athletes but raises questions about the NCAA’s regulations on prize money, which are being challenged as potentially illegal price fixing. How these developments will unfold remains to be seen.
In the end, Zheng’s experience highlights the tumultuous intersection of collegiate athletics and professional aspirations, a reminder that for many, the stakes are not merely sporting, but deeply financial and personal.
