Maya Joint Faces Prize Money Limit at US Open

Maya Joint, an 18-year-old Australian tennis player, achieved a significant milestone by reaching the second round of the US Open, marking her Grand Slam main-draw debut. She won against German player Laura Siegemund with a score of 6-4, 7-5, potentially earning her up to $140,000 in prize money. However, due to NCAA rules governing student athletes, Joint may only retain a maximum of $10,000 of her winnings before enrollment in college, with any additional funds being restricted to actual expenses. Despite these financial complications, Joint is committed to pursuing a psychology degree at the University of Texas while navigating her tennis career. She expressed uncertainty regarding managing such a large sum of money, stating, "It's crazy. I've never had that kind of money." Joint's situation highlights the challenges faced by student athletes balancing academic commitments with competitive sports.