MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — In an electrifying match at the Australian Open, Danielle Collins found herself entertaining a vocal crowd after besting a local favorite. The 10th-seeded American didn’t shy away from the jeers; instead, she responded with playful gestures, blowing kisses and exclaiming, “How about that?!”
Facing off against Australia’s own Destanee Aiava, Collins claimed victory with a score of 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 in a gripping encounter that lasted nearly two and a half hours. This match held special significance for Collins, a finalist against Ash Barty in 2022.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere shifted. The 31-year-old Collins, who considered retiring at the end of last season but opted to return for 2025, engaged with the audience. She playfully cupped her hand to her ear and enthusiastically repeated her signature phrase, drawing both cheers and boos. When the crowd’s negativity intensified, Collins responded with playful kisses aimed at the spectators.
Reflecting on the crowd’s reactions during her post-match press conference, Collins lightheartedly remarked, “Those who jeer actually contribute to my income. Clearly, my career isn’t endless. So, anyone who bought a ticket to heckle? That’s all going into the Danielle Collins Fund.” She humorously noted her plans for a lavish vacation, stating, “My friends and I enjoy boats; in fact, we’re quite fond of yachts!”
Collins also took a moment during her post-match interview to address the crowd’s noisy interruptions. With a smile, she paused her response, quipping, “As long as I’m out here, I might as well pocket that nice check.”
She concluded her interview, expressing gratitude. “Thank you for your support tonight, everyone!” After discussing her upcoming match against fellow American Madison Keys, ranked 19th, Collins returned her focus to the crowd. “Thanks, everyone. Love you all!”
Despite her low ranking of 195th, Aiava put up a fierce fight against Collins, showcasing remarkable resilience throughout the match.
Collins commented, “I wasn’t shocked by Destanee’s performance. I just needed to give it my all.”
Florida-born Collins, a former standout at the University of Virginia, is no stranger to controversy, having experienced a heated exchange with Iga Swiatek at the Paris Olympics last August.
Addressing the charged atmosphere with the fans, Collins stated, “I loved every moment. Playing in front of an energetic crowd motivates me, no matter which side they’re on!”