Australian tennis player Maya Joint has a AU$200,000 dilemma

Rising Australian tennis star Maya Joint is determined to pursue her college dream, even if it costs her nearly $200,000 Australian dollars.

For reaching the second round of the US Open in New York, the 18-year-old was supposed to receive a check for $140,000 (AU$207,000) – which would be more than double her previous career earnings on the tennis court.

However, under NCAA rules, athletes may only receive prize money of US$10,000 (AU$14,750) annually, plus any additional amounts used to cover tournament costs.

Joint has enrolled at the University of Texas to study psychology and is determined to complete her degree, no matter what.

Her course began this week and the Michigan-born teenager plans to study primarily online from her campuses in Austin and Brisbane.

Joint changed her allegiance last year and went to Australia, where her father, a squash coach, is from.

Several former and current players have challenged the NCAA’s prize money rules in court, including Joint’s good friend Reese Brantmeier. Joint is leaving the matter to others.

“The whole thing is just very confusing but I just need to sit down with my team and figure it out,” she told AAP.

Joint is also unsure about her next step in tennis.

“I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do next,” she said. “I’m supposed to go to a tournament in Guadalajara, but we’ll see.”

Joint’s efforts to win three qualifying matches and then beat German veteran Laura Siegemund in the first round of the main draw will earn her the highest ranking of her career.

Australian tennis’ newest star is expected to rise 27 places to No. 108 in the world rankings and is well on course to qualify directly for the Australian Open in January. And Joint feels at home after spending long periods battling toe-to-toe with former finalist Madison Keys at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“The first set was hard fought and I had my chances but she played really well,” Joint said after the American’s 6-4, 6-0 win. “She definitely stepped up in the second set and yeah, I don’t think I did anything wrong.”