Australian tennis ace Maya Joint is embroiled in a real drama after bursting onto the world stage with an emotional first Grand Slam victory at the US Open.
Joint is set to more than double his career earnings after keeping his cool wins a tense 6-4 7-5 victory over experienced German Laura Siegemund.
But there is confusion, even among tennis officials, over exactly how much of the US$140,000 ($A207,000) prize money Joint is entitled to, given that the 18-year-old has committed to starting a psychology degree at the University of Texas.
The NCAA rules in the United States state: “In tennis, prior to enrolling full-time at a university, an individual may accept up to $10,000 per calendar year in prize money based on his or her placing or performance in open sporting events (events that are not invitation-only).
“Once the individual has reached the $10,000 limit in a given year, he or she may receive additional cash prizes for each event, provided that such cash prizes do not exceed the individual’s actual and necessary expenses to participate in the event.”
Maya Joint will double her career winnings no matter what happens in her next match, unless the rules prohibit her from claiming the full prize money. (Getty Images: Robert Prange)
Joint, however, does not share this view.
“The rules are different for college,” she said Monday as she savored the biggest victory of her young career.
“As student athletes, you can take the tournament money, but you have to, for example, make expenses until the end of the year.
“So it’s different between the amateur level and the university level.”
Several former players, including his good friend and confidant Reese Brantmeier, are legally challenging the decision.
“It’s very complicated,” Joint said.
“My mom looks at the file and then the Texas Compliance Office helps me with all that.”
No matter what happens, Joint remains determined to continue her studies.
“I’m still chasing this tournament,” she said.
“I think I’m going to go to Austin. My class started today.
“I decided a long time ago that I wanted to go to college and I didn’t really expect to get this far (in tennis).
“If I go to college, I’ll get my scholarship. If I decide to turn pro in the meantime, I can always come back with a scholarship, which is a big plus.”
The Michigan-born talent was eligible to represent Australia through her father Michael and switched allegiances last year, and credits both her parents with passing on a special sporting pedigree.
Maya Joint will face American Madison Keys in the second round. (Getty Images: Robert Prange)
“My dad is from Melbourne. He was a professional squash player,” Joint said.
“My mother (Katja) is German. She played tennis when she was younger, squash and badminton, so we come from a family of racket players, that’s for sure.”
Poised to reach a career-high world No. 107 after her inspired run since qualifying, Joint will burst into the top 100 if she can overcome former Flushing Meadows finalist Madison Keys in the next round.
“I have no pressure,” she said.
“I’ve seen Madison Keys play on TV a few times, but obviously I’ve never played against her.
“So I’m very excited.”
What if she actually received her full US Open prize money?
“It’s crazy. I’ve never had that,” Joint said.
“I don’t really know what to do with it.”
PAA
