US tennis pro Danielle Collins thanks Australian Open fans for ‘paying my bills’ after being roughed up

American tennis pro Danielle Collins isn’t making any new friends in Australia this week and she’s fine with that.

Collins, a 2022 finalist Australian Open, advanced to the third round of this year’s Grand Slam after defeating Australia’s own Destanee Aiava on Tuesday, but her victory was met with a fierce reaction from the home crowd.

Danielle Collins reacts after defeating Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

After dealing with crowd boos for most of the match, Collins kissed the fans and egged them on as soon as she won match point.

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“It was a tough crowd and I just figured if I was going to be out here, I better bring home the bigger paycheck,” Collins said after the game in an interview on the field. “So yeah, thanks for the paycheck Australia.”

“It’s a pretty great feeling as an athlete because the people who don’t like you or hate you pay your bills,” she continued. “So it’s a really rewarding feeling to be out here and it just feels like a really good day.”

Danielle Collins blows a kiss after defeating Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Collins defeated Aiava 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 over a nearly 2 1/2 hour match.

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During her postgame press conference with the media, Collins doubled down on her reaction to the crowd, adding that fans’ “energy” motivates her — regardless of who they’re cheering for.

“One of the biggest things about being a professional athlete is the people who don’t like you and the people who hate you, they actually pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept… I just remember myself every day when i have that kind of thing they pay my bills every person who bought a ticket to come out here and ravage me or do whatever they do it all goes to danielle collins’ fund.

Danielle Collins cheered on the crowd at the Australian Open on Thursday, January 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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Collins said she likes to go on “five-star vacations” with her friends and that her earnings from Australian Open will go towards their next turn.

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

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