Wimbledon prize money solution as young Brit faces missing out on £152k

Daily Mirror

15 hours ago

British star Oliver Tarvet is in the midst of his college education in San Diego, which means he can't claim much of his Wimbledon prize money, as American Danielle Collins remained hopeful a solution can be found
American Danielle Collins is "optimistic" that a solution can be found to the college rules which has meant that British youngster Oliver Tarvet cannot accept the bulk of his Wimbledon prize money. The former Australian Open finalist suggests that any money gained could be put into a retirement fund for later down the line.
Tarvet has been improving his skills at the University of San Diego over recent years but there he is subject to the NCAA rules, which restrict how much players can claim from professional tournaments. Individuals are allowed $10,000 (£7,290) in profit every year, as well as any expenses incurred during the events.
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It means the majority of the £99,000 he banked from his first round win won't reach his bank account. Tarvet saw off Switzerland's Leandro Riedi 6-4 6-4 6-4 to reach the second round but is now seeing how much he can write off as expenses to remain compliant.
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His reward for a first round win is a second round clash against Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court. He is a huge underdog but if he does shock the tennis world he would earn £152,000 for making the third round.
But rather than missing out Collins, who herself came through the college system at the University of Virginia, believes athletes should be allowed to set themselves up for later life through their careers.
She said: "I wish there was some kind of solution, I do think there is a way. 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."
Tarvet has hailed the impact those in San Diego have had on his game, celebrating the support they've given him and Collins insists it is a great environment to prepare yourself for life on the tour.
She added: "I feel like college gives you a bit more time to grow and develop - not physically - but mentally and that is the most important thing. I don't think every person is equipped to deal with the stress and pressure that comes with playing a professional sport, especially an individual one."
Tarvet joked that he is seeing how much cash he can pay his coach in an effort to put through as much of his prize money as expenses, but is not writing off his chances against Alcaraz. "I'm quietly confident that I can win against anyone. Alcaraz isn't an exception to that. Obviously, he's done an incredible amount in the tennis world. He's a difficult guy not to respect," he said.