Maya Joint secured her largest tennis earnings to date by advancing to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time. However, the Australian teenager is uncertain about how much of the potential $140,000 she will be able to retain as a student athlete. The 18-year-old, born in Michigan and committed to studying psychology at the University of Texas, defeated German Laura Siegemund 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of the US Open on Monday.
According to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations, before full-time collegiate enrollment, players can accept prize money up to $10,000 annually, with any additional earnings not exceeding "actual and necessary expenses." "The rules are different for college," Joint explained to Australian media after securing a match against American Madison Keys. "As student athletes, you can receive money from the tournament but must cover expenses until the end of the year. It's different from the amateur to college transition."
Joint's friend and fellow player, Reese Brantmeier, is among several athletes who sued the NCAA in March over the prize money issue in a North Carolina federal court. "It's very complicated," Joint remarked, having chosen to represent the country of her father's origin last year. "My mum examines it, and then the Texas Compliance Office assists me with all that."
Despite missing the beginning of her course, Joint is resolute about attending college after the tournament. "I made the decision long ago that I wanted to go to college and wasn't expecting to advance this far in tennis," said Joint, who is projected to reach a career-high world ranking of 107 after her qualifying run. "If I attend college, I secure my scholarship spot. If I choose to turn pro in the interim, I can always return on scholarship, which is significant."
