How rising star Joao Fonseca lost out on nearly $50,000 due to prize money rules

Joao Fonseca had a historic run at the Rio Open last week, becoming the first player born in 2006 to win an ATP Tour level match, as he reached the quarter finals before succumbing to Mariano Navone.

Fonseca won almost $58,000 in prize money, but was unable to collect it due to a rule in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) stating that a player is prevented from earning more than $10,000 in prize money.

The teenager was still able to get the money though, as he recently decided to turn professional. Fonseca said in a statement on Instagram: "To all supporters and tennis followers all over the world, I would like to announce that I will forgo my college eligibility and turn professional as of 2024.

"It was an incredibly tough decision for me and my family as I have been dreaming about living a college life in Charlottesville, playing the sport that I love with a wonderful team and coach, but, in the last few months, professional tennis called me in a way that I simply couldn't say 'no'."

Fonseca had been at the University of Virginia, after a stellar few months that included winning the US Open Boys' singles trophy along with his run in Rio.