Michael Zheng: Turning Down $225k to Play NCAA Season, Poker, Superstitions & Graduation Concerns

In this episode of the Changeover Podcast, Michael Zheng — a top 150 ATP player and two-time NCAA champion — reflects on his recent successes, the challenge of balancing professional tennis with his studies at Columbia University, and his experiences at the Australian Open. He discusses the mental demands of competing at a high level, shares his superstitions, and explains how college tennis shaped his development as a player. The conversation also includes lighthearted moments, trivia, and a look ahead at Michael’s future in both tennis and education.

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Ever wondered what life is really like as a professional tennis player? On The Changeover, hosts Jody Maginley and Justin Roberts take you behind the scenes of the tour—sharing insights on training, weekly progress, the grind of climbing the rankings, and conversations with players living it every day.

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🎶 Intro audio by DJ Quest

00:00 Intro
00:29 Jody Switched Rackets & Wins Challenger Title
00:45 Welcoming Michael Zheng
01:16 Concerned He Might Not Graduate College
03:09 Balancing School & Pro Events
04:09 Smart Enough to Go To Columbia Without Tennis?
05:03 Going Back to Back At NCAAs & Choosing to Play Final Year
07:25 Dubai Offseason + Noumea Challenger(VISA ISSUES)
09:32 Australian Open Run to R2 from Qualies
10:05 Playing Cruz Hewitt & Barrios Vera
11:28 Almost Choking Final Round Qs & Thought He Was Gonna Lose
15:34 Zheng is a silent killer vs his inner mentality & Superstitions
16:44 Other Superstitions
18:59 Defending NCAA Title - Ozan & Zvajda Matches
23:01 No More US Open WC For NCAAs
25:24 Beating Sebastian Korda in Australia
28:31 Asstralian Open Cramps
30:28 Turning Down $225k to Go Back to Columbia
31:38 Biggest NIL Deals in College & Rules
32:57 Playing Corentin Moutet R2 Aus Open (Tanking Recovery)
37:04 Justin Trying Convince Zheng to Turn Pro
40:42 Columbia Coaching Thinks The Team is Soft
43:12 Does Zheng ever get chippy during matches?
45:01 Pressure Playing College After so much Pro Success?
47:58 Trivia - Zheng vs Maginley
54:02 Poker & Letting loose off court