Michael Zheng: Parents | Major | Prize Money | College | Reddit | Age

Michael Zheng is one of the most compelling young talents in tennis today — a symbol of both athletic prowess and the challenges facing modern college athletes trying to balance amateur status with professional success. From stunning results on the professional circuit and headline-grabbing performances at Grand Slam events to debates around NCAA rules and Reddit buzz, Zheng’s journey embodies the changing world of tennis.

In this comprehensive profile, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Michael Zheng — including his family background, academic pursuits, prize money dilemmas, college career, Reddit discussions, age, achievements, and what the future holds.

Early Life & Family: Who Are Michael Zheng’s Parents?

Michael Zheng was born on January 27, 2004, in Chesapeake, Virginia, and grew up in Montville, New Jersey.

His parents, Joe and Mei Zheng, emigrated from China to the United States, seeking better opportunities and the “American dream.”

• Immigrant Roots – Both Joe and Mei came to the U.S. in their late 20s or early 30s, pursuing IT careers and settling into life in New Jersey.

• Tennis Inspiration – Zheng’s father, Joe, was passionate about tennis and introduced Michael and his older sister to the sport at a young age.

• Family Support – Michael credits his family’s unwavering support — particularly his father’s belief in his tennis ability — for helping him pursue elite tennis and academic excellence.

Despite the pressure that comes with elite sport, Zheng’s early years were grounded in family values and a strong academic foundation.

Education: Psychology Major at Columbia University

While many athletes focus exclusively on sport, Zheng took a nonlinear path by attending one of the world’s leading universities — Columbia University.

• Major: Psychology

• University: Columbia University (Ivy League)

• Academic Honors: Named an Academic All-American — Columbia’s first in the history of the men’s tennis program.

Zheng’s academic success is notable — he maintained a high GPA while dominating in collegiate tennis, highlighting his ability to balance rigorous academic demands with elite athletic performance.

Tennis Career: From Juniors to Professional Success

Junior & Collegiate Achievements

Before college, Zheng was a standout junior tennis player, which laid the groundwork for his future:

• Started playing tennis at age 6 or 7

• Trained extensively with the USTA at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

• Became a dominant junior, eventually choosing Ivy League competition at Columbia over other elite programs.

At Columbia:

• NCAA Singles Champion – Zheng made history as the first Columbia Lion to win an NCAA singles title since 1906, and then defended the title the following year — a rare feat.

• Ivy League Player of the Year

• Academic All-America honors, reinforcing his dual commitment to athletic and academic excellence.

Professional Breakthroughs

While still in college, Zheng began earning success on the ATP Challenger Tour and beyond:

• Three Challenger Titles in 2025 — Chicago, Columbus, and Tiburon.

• Breakthrough Grand Slam appearance at the 2026 Australian Open, where Zheng qualified for the main draw and stunned former quarterfinalist Sebastian Korda in five sets — his first Grand Slam main-draw win.

• Career-High Ranking: ATP No. 174 as of January 12, 2026.

These accomplishments underscore Zheng’s rapid progression from Ivy League stand-out to elite professional competitor.

Prize Money Controversy: Can Michael Zheng Keep It?

One of the most discussed topics about Michael Zheng revolves around his prize money at the Australian Open.

Australian Open Earnings

During the 2026 Australian Open, Zheng’s results earned him substantial prize money:

• At least A$225,000 (~US$150,000) for reaching the second round.

However, regarding how much he can actually keep, the situation gets complicated:

NCAA Rules vs. Prize Money

Under U.S. college tennis rules, enrolled student-athletes are generally eligible to earn only up to $10,000 per year in prize money without jeopardizing NCAA eligibility.

This means that:

• Zheng may not be allowed to collect the full six-figure prize money if he wants to remain eligible to compete in NCAA tennis.

• He has indicated that he plans to consult with his coach and compliance office to understand his options.

The debate has sparked broader conversations about athlete rights, amateur status, and how college rules intersect with professional sport.

Reddit Buzz: What Fans Are Saying

Michael Zheng’s recent performances have generated significant discussion on Reddit — especially regarding his prize money dilemma.

Here’s a summary of the Reddit conversation from the r/tennis community:

• Prize money debate — Many fans argue the NCAA rule is outdated, especially given Zheng’s elite level.

• Some suggest Zheng should turn pro immediately, forfeiting NCAA eligibility to keep his Australian Open earnings.

• Others support him finishing his degree, noting that graduating from Columbia is a major achievement and could benefit his long-term career.

This Reddit buzz highlights the tension between traditional collegiate athletics structures and the realities of modern sport.

How Old Is Michael Zheng?

As of 2026, Michael Zheng is 21 years old — born on January 27, 2004.

His youth, paired with his maturity on court, makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in U.S. tennis.

Summary: Michael Zheng at a Glance

(Prize money may be subject to NCAA eligibility limits.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are Michael Zheng’s parents?

Answer: Michael Zheng’s parents, Joe and Mei Zheng, are Chinese immigrants who moved to the U.S. and pursued careers in technology. Joe introduced Michael and his sister to tennis at a young age.

2. What does Michael Zheng study in college?

Answer: He is a psychology major at Columbia University and has earned honors like Academic All-American.

3. How much prize money has Zheng won?

Answer: Zheng has earned around $197,517 in career prize money, but his ability to keep big winnings from events like the Australian Open may be limited by NCAA rules.

4. Why might he have to give back Australian Open prize money?

Answer: NCAA rules restrict college athletes to a maximum of ~$10,000 in prize money per year without losing eligibility, which puts his Australian Open earnings at issue.

5. What is Zheng’s age and ranking?

Answer: As of early 2026, Michael Zheng is 21 years old and has an ATP singles ranking of No. 174.

6. What do Reddit users think about his situation?

Answer: Reddit discussions highlight the controversy around NCAA restrictions and whether Zheng should remain in college or turn professional.

Conclusion

Michael Zheng’s story is more than just tennis — it’s a snapshot of how the sport, education, and athlete rights intersect in the modern era. From immigrant family roots and Ivy League academics to prize money controversies and supportive online communities, Zheng represents a new generation of athletes navigating an evolving landscape.

Whether he chooses to stay in college or make the full jump to the professional tour, one thing is clear: his combination of talent, intelligence, and determination sets him up for a remarkable future — both on and off the court.