'I DESERVE IT': WORLD NO.719 WIMBLEDON QUALIFIER UNABLE TO COLLECT FULL PRIZE MONEY

Oliver Tarvet celebrates his Wimbledon main draw berth. (Getty)

British qualifier Oliver Tarvet believes the American collegiate system should review its prize money policy following his remarkable Wimbledon story.

The 21-year-old eliminated 29th seed Alexander Blockx in four sets in the third and final round of Wimbledon qualifying.

Currently ranked No.719, Tarvet is also still part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), where he studies at the University of San Diego.

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However, according to the NCAA regulations, players under the college program are ineligible to collect the full prize money on offer.

"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]," the NCAA rule states.

"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."

As a result, Tarvet will receive over A$15,300 instead of the full A$138,600 sum.

"I know there have been complaints about it, but I don't want to speak too much about it and overstep the mark," he said when asked about the controversial rule.

"But in my opinion, I've worked hard to get this money. I don't feel like it's undeserved, the money that I've got.

"I think it would be good to see a change in the rules of the NCAA, but at the same time, I don't want to get involved. It's not really my place.

"But I've done well this week. I think I deserve this money."

Last year, Australia's Maya Joint found herself tangled in a similar position after qualifying for the US Open.

The teenager was forced to forfeit most of her A$210,000 earnings due to studying at the University of Texas.

Tarvet has been drawn to face the unseeded Leandro Riedi in the first-round at the All England Club, with a potential second-round clash against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on the cards.

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