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.
The 21-year-old American, who turns 22 next week, defeated former Melbourne quarter-finalist Sebastian Korda in his maiden Grand Slam main draw appearance as a qualifier.
His journey ended in the second round against 32nd seed Corentin Moutet, when a leg injury forced him to withdraw during the fourth set.
NCAA regulations capping annual earnings for college athletes at $10,000 (approximately £7,440) mean Zheng cannot retain the bulk of his winnings.
Against Moutet, Zheng claimed the opening set 6-3 before the Frenchman responded emphatically, taking the next two sets 6-1, 6-2.
The Columbia student required medical attention at the beginning of the third set, receiving treatment on his left leg before opting to continue.
Despite his determination to battle through, Zheng managed only two more games before conceding the match, losing both.
Michael Zheng lies injured on the court during his Australian Open match
|GETTY
His Australian Open appearance came just weeks after he etched his name into collegiate tennis history in November, becoming the first player in 13 years to claim consecutive NCAA singles titles.
That remarkable achievement made his Grand Slam breakthrough all the more significant for American college tennis.
Speaking after his victory over Korda, Zheng reflected on the increasingly complex landscape facing student athletes competing at the highest level.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA"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 resume his studies once his Melbourne campaign concluded, adding: "So whenever my run here is done, I'm going back to school."
Regarding his potential earnings, Zheng expressed uncertainty: "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."
Columbia has indicated it is actively addressing the situation, with a university spokesperson confirming the institution is "working with the NCAA to see exactly what is permissible."
Corentin Moutet is through to the third round of the Australian Open
|REUTERS
Zheng's predicament mirrors that of Maya Joint, who surrendered more than £100,000 after progressing to the second round at the 2024 US Open whilst enrolled at the University of Texas, before subsequently turning professional.
Joint has since joined legal proceedings initiated by University of North Carolina player Reese Brantmeier, who received $50,000 from the United States Tennis Association in March 2024.
The lawsuit, scheduled for trial in November, alleges that the NCAA's restrictions on prize money constitute illegal price fixing.
How things play out remains to be seen.