Michael Zheng’s breakthrough run at the Australian Open means he might have to turn down the small fortune he’s earned in prize money.
The 21-year-old American stunned the tennis world by defeating fellow countryman Sebastian Korda in a five-set first-round epic, earning his first career tour-level win and advancing into the second round at Melbourne Park.
The victory put Zheng in line for prize money totalling $225,000 if his run ends in round two, but there’s a catch.
Because Zheng is still an enrolled student at Columbia University in the United States, he may not be allowed to keep the money at all.
Zheng delayed turning professional in order to complete his psychology degree, a decision that has left him navigating a grey area between elite professional tennis and college eligibility rules.
Under current regulations, college athletes are typically restricted to using prize money only to cover expenses, rather than collecting full earnings.
American star Michael Zheng stunned Melbourne Park by beating Sebastian Korda in the first round of the Australian Open
Zheng has been a rising star on the Challenger Tour before advancing to the main draw of the Australian Open
By reaching the second round of the Grand Slam, the 21-year-old is guaranteed $225,000 in prize money, but he might have to give it back
Speaking after his win, Zheng acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
‘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.
‘I still have one more semester at Columbia, which I do intend to finish. So whenever my run here is done, I’m going back to school.’
Zheng said he has heard speculation that his status as a senior in his final semester could allow him to accept prize money, but he is unwilling to take any risks without clarification.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
The situation is particularly striking given the scale of Zheng’s on-court achievement.
He fought through three rounds of qualifying before upsetting Korda in what was also the first five-set match of his career.
Under NCAA rules, college students are not allowed to earn money in professional sport
Zheng remains hopeful he can retain the small fortune he has earned at the Australian Open
If Zheng can keep his giant-slaying ways in round two, he could face Carlos Alcaraz in the third round
Ranked outside the world’s top 700 just months ago, Zheng surged into the top 200 late last year after winning multiple Challenger titles while balancing a full academic workload.
His calm under pressure has been widely praised, with Zheng himself crediting college tennis for preparing him for moments like his Australian Open debut.
‘I think the NCAAs definitely prepared me for moments like these,’ he said.
‘I actually felt more nervous going into the finals of NCAAs than this match.’
If Zheng advances further, the financial stakes, and the complexity of his decision, will only increase.
A potential third-round meeting with world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz looms if results fall his way.
Asked whether a deep run could force his hand on turning professional, Zheng joked: ‘If I beat Carlos Alcaraz in the third round, maybe then I’ll consider turning pro.’
For now, though, the Australian Open revelation remains focused on tennis first, money second – even if that means walking away from one of the biggest paydays of his young career.
