British amateur Oliver Tarvet is living the dream as he prepares to face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court, but the 21-year-old will only be allowed to keep a fraction of his Wimbledon prize money.
Tarvet, who is currently ranked world No. 719 – the lowest-ranked man at the tournament by a considerable margin – managed to overcome the odds on Monday afternoon as he beat Switzerland's Leandro Riedi in straight sets.
As a result of the 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win, the Hertfordshire-born player was awarded £99,000 for reaching round two. But it appears he will be entitled to significantly less as a result of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) criteria.
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The 21-year-old is a student at the University of San Diego, meaning he is subject to NCAA rules that restrict how much amateurs can claim from professional tournaments.
Tarvet, who would earn a staggering £152,000 if he beat Alcaraz in round two, claimed before Wimbledon that players are allowed $10,000 (£7,290) in profit every year, as well as any expenses incurred during the events.
Tarvet comments on prize money dilemma at Wimbledon
After winning his first Tour-level match, Tarvet opened up on the rather unique situation.
“By December, I need to show that [my] profit or prize money minus expenses equals less than $10,000,” he told Wimbledon's official website.
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“I don't know how much I made. I think I made, like, it's £99,000 or £100,000. Obviously, that's before tax. I've got to find £60,000, £70,000 of expenses. Tennis is an expensive sport. So, hopefully, I can make that happen."
He added: "As I said, just pay my coaches a little bit extra. I don't know. We'll figure something out. Fly business class!”
Tarvet reiterated his desire to remain at the University of San Diego as he continues to flourish in the United States collegiate tennis system as an amateur.
“Maybe I hire someone to help me out with the expenses, make sure the NCAA are happy,” he added. “As I said, it's very important for me. I have a lot of goals at USD still.”
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American tennis player proposes solution to Tarvet prize money issue
Danielle Collins, who is familiar with the college system after representing the University of Virginia, believes there may be a way around the regulations.
"I wish there was some kind of solution... I do think there is a way," she said, as per The Mirror.
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"If the concern is that the player is accepting money as a professional athlete and therefore they are professional, maybe there's a way there can be a fair portion that goes to some kind of retirement fund that you can't touch until you're 65."
"Ultimately any athlete should be in a position where they can set themselves up for success and I am optimistic that there's a solution. Sometimes it just requires people to think a little outside of the box.
"That way the money its not spend irresponsibly but it does help a college athlete who has worked really hard to look out for their future."
Where to buy last-minute Wimbledon tickets
The Wimbledon ballot may have closed for another year, but it’s not too late to buy advance tickets if you know where to look.
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If you don’t mind splashing out on the experience, Seat Unique has the option to book ‘VIP Debenture Behind The Server’ and ‘VIP Debenture Front 5 Rows’ tickets.
These tickets offer 'unparalleled views' of the court, so you won't miss out on any of the action.
As for resale tickets, you'll want to head over to StubHub and Viagogo.
Jack Kenmare