British Underdog Tarvet Shines at Wimbledon, Sparks NCAA Prize Money Debate
Imagine qualifying for Wimbledon — the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament — only to discover you can’t keep the prize money you’ve earned. That’s the reality for 21-year-old British player Oliver Tarvet, who has just achieved a dream debut in the Grand Slam's main draw. Ranked 719 in the world, Tarvet battled through three grueling qualifying rounds to earn his spot and the accompanying £66,000 prize for first-round competitors. But here’s the catch: he’s a student-athlete in the U.S., and under NCAA regulations, he’s only allowed to claim a fraction of that amount.
Tarvet is currently studying and training at the University of San Diego, a journey that’s helped shape his game significantly. However, NCAA rules restrict college athletes to just $10,000 annually in profit from professional competition, along with reimbursable expenses. So despite his incredible Wimbledon breakthrough, he’ll only be able to access around £7,300 of the £66,000 prize he’s technically earned.
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In an interview following his qualifying win, Tarvet was candid yet cautious. “I don’t want to overstep the mark,” he said, referring to the NCAA rules. “But in my opinion, I’ve worked hard to get this money. I don’t feel like it’s undeserved. I think I deserve it.” And he’s not alone in that sentiment.
Last year, Australian player Maya Joint faced a similar issue, losing out on over £145,000 after her strong performance at the US Open. American college player Reese Brantmeier even went a step further, launching a class action lawsuit against the NCAA to challenge these restrictions. These cases have thrown the spotlight on outdated amateurism rules that fail to reflect the modern reality of young athletes juggling elite-level performance with academic commitments.
For Tarvet, this moment is bittersweet. The joy of earning his place at Wimbledon is tempered by the frustration of financial limitation. “I really want to go back and finish my fourth year at San Diego,” he added. “What they’ve done for me is incredible. But it’s awkward — I have to figure out expenses while knowing I’ve technically won enough to cover them many times over.”
He’ll face Leandro Riedi in the opening round, and if victorious, could meet defending champion Carlos Alcaraz next. But no matter what happens on court, Tarvet has already sparked a conversation bigger than tennis — one that asks how long governing bodies like the NCAA can continue enforcing policies that penalize student-athletes for their success.
As Wimbledon celebrates 50 years since Arthur Ashe’s legendary victory, it feels fitting that young players like Tarvet are still pushing for fairness — not just in sport, but in the systems that shape their careers.
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