Overview
- Columbia senior Michael Zheng advanced through qualifying and upset Sebastian Korda to secure at least about US$150,000 for reaching the Australian Open main draw.
- Zheng retired with a leg injury in the fourth set of his second-round match against Corentin Moutet after winning the first set.
- Because NCAA rules cap annual prize-money receipts at $10,000 plus actual event expenses, Zheng has not confirmed whether he can accept the bulk of his earnings.
- Zheng said he would consult his coach before taking any funds, as Columbia stated it is working with the NCAA and Tennis Australia pledged to help protect his eligibility.
- A class-action challenge led by Reese Brantmeier and Maya Joint to loosen the prize-money cap is in settlement talks, with a trial scheduled for November 2026 if no agreement is reached.