"NCAAs definitely prepared me": Michael Zheng ousts Korda in AO five-setter for first major win

Michael Zheng won’t be back in New York for the start of his final semester at Columbia University.

His future full-time job is keeping him busy Down Under.

The two-time reigning NCAA singles champion secured his maiden major win Sunday at the Australian Open, three days after saving a match point in the final round of qualifying.

Flashback: Zheng channels Ivy League balancing act into rapidly blossoming future

Zheng held off Sebastian Korda’s comeback bid, knocking out the former quarterfinalist, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (0), 6-3. The first five-set match of his career also marked Zheng's tour-level debut.

“I think in the fourth I was starting to feel it in the legs a little bit on the serve, but then just found a second wind in the fifth. Honestly, I'm feeling better than I thought than I would now, but I'm sure tomorrow I'm going to be a little bit sore,” Zheng told press.

The atmosphere of a show court like Kia Arena gave the rising American an additional source of inspiration to dig deep after struggling to get a read on Korda's serve in the third and fourth sets.

“The fans were starting to go crazy and just gave me that extra, I think, push to kind of close it out,” Zheng said.

“I think Billie Jean said it best, ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ This is what you work for. It's just a privilege to get a chance to step on Kia Arena for your first-round match at a Grand Slam, main-draw match at a Grand Slam.”

Last season, the Montville, N.J. resident showed signs he was ready to make the transition from college to the pros when he captured three ATP Challenger Tour titles. Zheng finished inside the Top 200, before setting the record for most NCAA tournament wins by becoming the ninth man to go back-to-back.

“I think the NCAAs definitely prepared me for moments like these. I feel like when you are playing for college, you're playing for something bigger than yourself,” he said. “So there's a lot of people supporting you. You really want to win for yourself, but also for your school.

“I actually felt more nervous I think going into the finals of NCAAs than this match, surprisingly. But I think it shows college tennis is a real pathway to the pros.”

In reaching the second round, the 21-year-old would be in line to collect 225,000 AUD (approx. $150,390) if his tournament ended at the hands of No. 32 seed Corentin Moutet. Zheng has heard “rumors” that he’ll be able to accept any prize money earned at Melbourne Park, with 15 credits left to complete his psychology degree at the Ivy League program.

“I want to make sure to double-check and make sure there's nothing wrong with eligibility if I take it. I don't want to get in trouble or anything,” the world No. 174 said. “So I'll talk to Howie, our head coach, and I'll try to figure that out after.”

Is there a scenario where Zheng would guarantee himself the pay day? Perhaps.

“If I beat Carlos Alcaraz in the third round, maybe then I'll consider turning pro,” laughed Zheng.

Former Stanford standout Arthur Fery earned a notable opening win himself. The 23-year-old qualifier eliminated No. 20 seed Flavio Cobolli, who was visited by medical staff for an apparent stomach bug, with a 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-1 victory.