Michigan State Tennis Star Unable To Collect $100,000 Prize

Tennis is continuing to reach new heights. Household names like Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic have been helping carry the sport for many years, but many are or have reached the end of their careers.

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Thankfully, it looks like tennis is more than primed to stay popular with this next generation, and one of those rising stars is planning to bring his talents to Michigan State University. Matthew Forbes recently won himself a spot in the Wild Card entry into the main draw of the 2024 US Open, one of tennis' most prestigious events. It's too bad he won't be able to accept the $100,000 minimum prize.

Matthew Forbes' Conundrum

Matthew Forbes, an 18-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina who signed his National Letter of Intent with Michigan State in July, is the first active Spartan to qualify for the U.S. Open. By participating in the event, any athlete involved qualifies for a share of the minimum participation prize pool of $100,000.

That is unless you're a student-athlete (SA). Due to NCAA rules limits, Forbes is only able to accept

"actual and necessary expenses such as meals, lodging, coaching, and equipment as part of his US Open entry."

If Forbes were to forgo his college commitment, he would be eligible for the prize pool. However, that would mean he would have to forgo his education at Michigan State University. It is quite a conundrum Forbes is facing.

Student Athlete Compensation Issues

It's a pretty unfortunate situation for someone who has earned a place among the top tennis players in the world but won't be able to reap the monetary awards. Since the NCAA allowed SA to earn money through Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) in 2021, the NCAA has been actively working to compensate SA for their efforts.

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Another Michigan State star, former men's basketball player Mady Sissoko from Mali, can also not accept his NIL earnings due to being in the US on a student visa. He found an altruistic solution by creating the Mady Sissoko Foundation with his funds to give back to his village. But still highlights the issues the NCAA is facing.

How this situation will be traversed is yet to be seen, but either way, Forbes has achieved something truly spectacular. The US Open runs from August 26th to September 8th.

Where Are These Michigan State Basketball Players Now?

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball program have been a premier school in College Basketball, with a streak of 25 straight NCAA tournament appearances. Stellar teams generate stellar players, and over the years, MSU has had no shortage of stand-out players who have gone on to have successful careers in professional basketball. Here are 12 Spartans in the last 12 years and where they are now.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill