Danielle Collins mocks ‘super drunk’ Australian Open fans who booed during her win over home favourite



CNN

Danielle Collins appeared to revel in playing the role of pantomime villain at the Australian Open on Thursday as she beat home favorite Destanee Aiava 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 in front of a raucous crowd.

The American was booed and jeered during the match and responded by covering his ear and blowing kisses to the crowd after securing the win.

As she returned the chair, Collins continued to kiss in all directions before kissing her hand and stroking her bottom.

Despite the hostilities against her, the No. 10 seed said she “loved” playing in that atmosphere.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life and I love playing in a crowd that has energy no matter what side they’re on,” Collins told reporters. “I’m also someone who just motivates me even more, so that’s a good thing, especially when I’m not playing so well.

“So I think that really helped me in the end and helped me concentrate more, and challenged me at times, and just pushed me across the finish line.

“I was really happy at the end when I finally got up to speed. I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to be out here for two and a half hours and put up with all these people, I might as well take the bigger paycheck. I was super happy to do that.”

Collins added that there were “a lot of people who were super drunk”, which she believed further contributed to a rowdy atmosphere.

The 31-year-old was also booed throughout his on-court interview after beating Australia’s Aiava, the world no. 165 that made it through qualifying but continued to egg the crowd.

“You know, I was thinking during the game,” she told the crowd, “I was thinking, ‘Hmm, if I’m out here, I might as well take the big fat paycheck. We love a five-star vacation, so part of that check going in that direction.

“So thanks guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight,” she added to another loud chorus of boos.

Collins will receive 290,000 Australian dollars ($180,000) for reaching the third round and joked that it will all “go to the Danielle Collins Foundation.”

She added: “One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people who don’t like you and the people who hate you, they actually pay your bills.”

Collins said there were some

“It’s a good concept. My professional career isn’t going to last forever, so I remind myself every day when I have things like that (the crowd against her) that they pay my bills.

“Me and my group of friends, we love a five star vacation. I can guarantee you the check will go towards our next five star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas.

“We like boats, we like big boats, we like yachts, so we write about it and let you know how it goes.”

Collins, who postponed his retirement at the end of 2024, will face compatriot and no. 19th seed Madison Keys in the third round on Saturday.

The two-time NCAA champion initially retired due to a number of health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, and her desire to start a family.

On Friday at the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka was forced to withdraw from her third round match against Belinda Bencic.

Osaka led 5-2 in the first set before struggling with another apparent stomach injury, allowing Bencic to come back and take the set on a tie break.

Osaka, who also pulled out of the ASB Classic final in Auckland last week with an abdominal injury, received treatment during the match but was eventually forced to withdraw.