Danielle Collins booed and jeered in victory over local hope at the Australian Open | Australian Open 2025

ISLANDOn a day with a new attendance record at Melbourne Park, world no. 11, Danielle Collins, booed and booed in her win over local hope Destanee Aiava, the latest intervention at the Australian Open from rowdy and often drunken crowds in a sport known for its civility.

The treatment appeared to affect the American, who yelled “shut up” at a fan during his tense 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 victory, himself blew kisses to the stands and turned and smacked her bottom on the post – match victory mockery.

Afterwards, she was one of a chorus of players calling for the volume to be turned up, not down. The approval comes as officials at the Australian Open look to attract non-traditional audiences to the sport, and players like the “Special Ks” doubles tandem of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis encourage engagement from a new generation of tennis fans.

“I love playing in a crowd that has energy no matter what side they’re on,” Collins said after his win. “It just motivates me even more, so that’s a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.”

Aiava, whose mother played for the Australian rugby league team, said it was fun playing in front of the supportive crowd and they created an atmosphere like a rugby league match. “It was very different, I think we could use a bit more of that in tennis,” she said.

The Special Ks pulled out of their first-round doubles match on Thursday due to Kokkinakis’ pec injury when trailing a set to fellow Australians James Duckworth and Aleks Vukic, but not before an hour of entertainment at John Cain Arena. The relaxed, party-like atmosphere was underlined by a point when Kyrgios served before an “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chant could even finish.

Men’s world no. 1, Jannik Sinner, handled a strong pro-Aussie crowd in his four-set victory over local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, and said passion among fans is a positive. “It’s great for tennis, right? I think the goal should be to make tennis as big as possible,” he said.

Despite the positivity, this tournament has been marked by largely futile attempts by umpires to control noise, particularly between first and second serves. During Wednesday’s clash between Jack Draper and Kokkinakis, chair referee Marijana Veljovic spoke to the crowd at least a dozen times, imploring them to be quiet and at one point lecturing supporters to “respect the players”.

Crowds have flocked to the area this year, culminating in 95,881 coming through the gates on Thursday, eclipsing the single-day record set last year. Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia’s chief executive, said there were five times as many activities on offer this year compared to 2024.

Tournament organizers were criticized by some players last year after the addition of a two-story venue that looks like an upscale pub overlooking lane six. Still, the alcohol supply has expanded this year and new bars have been built next to the two main training pitches at Melbourne Park.

Collins said she was primarily targeted because she was playing an Australian, but alcohol was also a factor. “I think there were a lot of people who were super drunk and had a hard time controlling themselves and were really excited,” she said.

After his five-set win over home favorite Kokkinakis, Draper was asked by a British reporter if the crowd was the “worst” he had ever seen. “Apparently people are saying Davis Cup in Argentina or something like that when they’re whistling and laughing in between (points),” he replied. “I think it’s the best atmosphere I’ve been in almost, for that (kind of experience). I think it was fun to be a part of, to be fair.”

Collins said that whether fans boo or cheer her, they are the ones who pay her bills. “Every person that bought a ticket to come out here and mock me or do whatever they do, it’s all going to the ‘Danielle Collins Foundation.’