British player Oliver Tarvet sensationally qualified for Wimbledon as the world No.719 to equal a 41-year record at the tournament.
The 21-year-old beat Alexander Blockx 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-1 on Thursday to confirm a Grand Slam debut at the All England Club next week.
In doing so, Tarvet has become one of 23 British players to enter the singles draw at Wimbledon this year.
There are 13 men and ten women who will feature in the first round, with this total the highest since nine men and 14 women played in 1984.
Entry into the first round delivers £66,000 in prize money amongst a total pot of almost £54million for the Championships in 2025.
However, a little-known rule has prevented Tarvet from claiming all of the money owed to him after his qualifying success.
Tarvet plays on the US collegiate circuit whilst completing his studies at the University of San Diego.
It means he can only to take home $10,000 [£7,300] worth of prize money each year as a student athlete, so he’ll miss out on the other £58,700.
“It’s a little bit awkward because I’ve got to find a lot of expenses and I really want to come back to University of San Diego to complete my fourth year,” he said when commenting on the rule.
“What they’ve done for me is just incredible and I’m so grateful. I want to spend my fourth year there and really leave my mark on US history.
“I can claim up to $10,000 so I might be flying my coach on a private jet at home.”
Maya Joint found herself in a similar situation in 2024 after reaching the second round of the US Open.
Tarvet is unable to bank all of his prize money due to his college statusGetty Alcaraz could await him in the second round next weekGettyShe was unable to take home in excess of $200,000 [£146,000] due to her being an amateur at the University of Texas.
As per Forbes, NCAA rules say: “In tennis, prior to full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may accept up to $10,000 per calendar year in prize money based on his or her place finish or performance in open athletics events [events that are not invitation only].
“Once the individual has reached the $10,000 limit in a particular year, he or she may receive additional prize money on a per-event basis, provided such prize money does not exceed the individual’s actual and necessary expenses for participation in the event.”
Tarvet will face Leandro Riedi in the first round of Wimbledon, which begins on June 30.
Should he win, he could face the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.
British players at Wimbledon in 2025
Women’s singles
Emma Raducanu Mingge Xu Katie Boulter Hannah Klugman Harriet Dart Sonay Kartal Mika Stojsavljevic Jodie Burrage Heather Watson Francesca JonesMen’s singles
George Loffhagen Johannus Monday Jack Draper Jack Pinnington Jones Dan Evans Jay Clarke Arthur Fery Billy Harris Henry Searle Jacob Fearnley Oliver Crawford Cameron Norrie Oliver Tarvet Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( British world number 719 unable to claim £66k Wimbledon prize money due to little-known rule )
Also on site :
- English soccer player throws chair at woman on vacation in wild incident
- Potential K’Andre Miller trade hangs over Rangers’ NHL draft weekend
- Arsenal transfer news: Rodrygo message clear as Gunners deal Real Madrid blow