Aussie teen’s $197,000 dilemma after shock US Open win

Rising Aussie tennis star Maya Joint is set to double her career earnings at the US Open, but she won’t be able to access it in its entirety. 
Joint recorded her maiden grand slam match win in a thriller 6-4, 7-5 victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund on Tuesday. 
But confusion remains over exactly how much of the  $207,000 prize money the teenager is entitled to as a result of her college commitments.
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Joint, who is committed to starting a degree in psychology at the University of Texas, is required to adhere to NCAA ruling that prevents athletes in the full-time collegiate system from accepting more than $10,000 in prize money per calendar year.
Maya Joint of Australia in action in the first round of the US Open. Getty
The governing body’s legislation states athletes are allowed to receive additional prize money on a per-event basis, provided the winnings “do not exceed the individual’s actual and necessary expenses for participation in the event”.
But the world No.135, who has already signed a letter of intent and a scholarship deal with the university, believes she is entitled to access more than the ruling states.
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“It’s different rules for college,” she said following her US Open win.
“[As] student athletes, you can take the money from the tournament but you have to, like, make expenses until the end of the year.
“So it’s different from amateur to college… but’s crazy. I’ve never had [a heavy prize fund]. I don’t really know what to do with it.”
Maya Joint of Australia in action against Laura Siegemund of Germany in the first round on Day 1 of the US Open. Getty
Joint denied suggestions she may backflip on her university enrolment, declaring she was satisfied with her decision to continue studying.
“I’m still going after this tournament,” said Joint.
“I think I’m going to go to Austin. My class has actually started today.
“I decided a long time ago that I wanted to go to college and I wasn’t really expecting to get this far [in tennis].
“If I go to college, then I get my scholarship spot. If I decide to go pro in the meantime, I can always come back on scholarship, which is a big deal.”
The Michigan-born star switched her allegiance in 2023 and joined Tennis Australia’s academy in Brisbane.
The pressure of the next round of the US Open has not impacted Joint’s preparation, with a win over America’s Madison Keys set to soar the youngster into the top 100.
“I have no pressure,” she said.
“I’ve seen Madison Keys play multiple times on television but obviously never played against her so I’m excited.”