Australian Open star forced to forfeit $135K prize – Sports News
Michael Zheng is set to miss out on round $134,000 of his Australian Open prize money regardless of making it to the second spherical in his Grand Slam foremost draw debut. After a first-round victory over Sebastian Korda, a former quarter-finalist in Melbourne, the American qualifier retired within the fourth set of his subsequent match in opposition to thirty second seed Corentin Moutet.
Zheng, who celebrates his twenty second birthday subsequent week, clinched the primary set 6-3, however misplaced the next two units 6-1, 6-2. He took a medical timeout at first of the third set and obtained therapy on his left leg earlier than persevering with the sport, however after struggling on, the senior at Columbia University retired two video games into the fourth, each of which he misplaced.
After retaining his title in November, Zheng grew to become the primary back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association champion in 13 years. However, much less than two months later, NCAA guidelines will restrict his prize money, as school athletes can solely earn $10,000 per yr.
Zheng spoke concerning the concern after defeating Korda. He mentioned: “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.
“I nonetheless have one more semester at Columbia, which I do intend to end. So each time my run right here is completed, I’m going back to faculty.”
His school has confirmed they are already addressing the issue. Front Office Sports reports that a Columbia spokesperson said the university is “working with the NCAA to see precisely what’s permissible”.
“I’ll discuss to our head coach, attempt to determine, , what is the deal with the prize money, if I’m allowed to take it or not,” he said. “I’ll attempt to determine that out after the event’s over, I believe.
“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, make sure there’s nothing wrong with eligibility if I take it. I don’t want to get in trouble or anything.”
Zheng is the newest school participant to earn substantial prize money at a Grand Slam. Maya Joint forfeited over £100,000 after reaching the second spherical of the US Open in 2024, whereas nonetheless a school athlete on the University of Texas, and turned skilled months later.
She is now a plaintiff in a lawsuit introduced by University of North Carolina tennis participant Reese Brantmeier, who received $50,000 from the United States Tennis Association, in March of that yr. That case is due to go to trial in November and alleges that the NCAA’s prize-money caps represent unlawful price fixing.
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