Young star Zheng may have to give back Australian Open prize money / Photo: IZHAR KHAN - AFP
-
Thukukile Zuma Resigns from ANC Johannesburg Leadership Amid Disciplinary Dispute
-
Russia Orders 100,000 Kometa Modules to Counter Ukrainian Electronic Warfare
-
CM Mohan Yadav Meets Bohra Spiritual Leader to Discuss Simhastha 2028 and Development
-
Mahayuti-backed Rajesh Patil Elected Chairman of Gokul Dairy Amidst Political Deadlock
-
Eli Crane Defeats Jonathan Nez in Tight Arizona Congressional Race
-
David Walliams Identified as Celebrity in Sexual Misconduct Allegations After Legal Bid
-
Sherilyn Smith Encourages Women to Embrace Scars as Symbols of Resilience
-
Korea's Severe Asthma Patients Blocked from Biologics by Restrictive Reimbursement Rules
-
Belgium Signs Contract for 20 Rheinmetall Skyranger Air Defence Systems
-
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Signs Pacts With London and Ottawa Institutions at CIIE
Young star Zheng may have to give back Australian Open prize money
American rising star Michael Zheng faces the prospect of giving back his Australian Open prize money as a college student, but is hoping a concession can be made.
The 21-year-old, who is yet to turn professional, came through qualifying at Melbourne Park before stunning former quarter-finalist Sebastian Korda in a first round five-set thriller.
His exploits have so far earned him at least Aus$225,000 (US$150,000), which will soar to Aus$327,750 should he beat 32nd seed Corentin Moutet in the second round.
But US college tennis rules state that he can only earn a maximum of $10,000 in prize money from tournaments per year.
"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, 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," he added.
"But I want to double-check ... I don't want to get in trouble or anything."
O.Karlsson--AMWN
