Rising American star Michael Zheng could be forced to return Australian Open prize money - Here’s why

Rising American tennis player Michael Zheng has delivered a stunning performance at the ongoing Australian Open, first Grand Slam of the year, but his breakthrough run has come with an unexpected challenge off the court. The 21-year-old may be forced to give back a large portion of his prize money due to US college tennis regulations.

Two-time NCAA champion Zheng, who is still a college student and has not yet turned professional, came through the qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park before producing a remarkable upset in the first round. He defeated former quarter-finalist Sebastian Korda in a gripping five-set match, instantly putting himself in the spotlight as one of the tournament’s surprise performers.



His impressive run has already earned him at least AUS$225,000 (around US$150,000) in prize money. That figure could rise to AUS$327,750 if he manages to beat 32nd seed Corentin Moutet in the second round, reported AFP. However, those earnings present a problem.

Under US college tennis rules, student-athletes are allowed to earn only up to US$10,000 per year in prize money from tournaments. Any amount beyond that limit risks violating eligibility rules, potentially forcing Zheng to return the excess earnings.

According to AFP, Zheng is now hoping for a special concession or exemption, as his success has placed him in a difficult position - balancing a career-defining Grand Slam run with the strict limitations of college sport regulations.

"I still have one more semester at Columbia (University), which I do intend to finish. So whenever my run here is done, I'm going back to school," said Zheng, as quoted by AFP, a senior psychology major.

"But, yeah, I'll talk to our head coach and try to figure out what's the deal with the prize money, if I'm allowed to take it or not.

"I'll try to figure that out after the tournament is over, I think.

"I've heard rumours I'm allowed to take it, because it's my senior spring," Zheng said, adding, "But I want to double-check ... I don't want to get in trouble or anything."