Danielle Collins, American tennis pro isn’t making any new friends in Australia this week, and that’s fine with him.
Collins, 2022 finalist Australian Open, This year, she advanced to the third round of the Grand Slam after beating Australian Destanee Aiava on Tuesday, but her victory drew a harsh reaction from the home crowd.
Danielle Collins reacts after beating Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Thursday January 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
After facing boos from the crowd for most of the match, Collins blew fans kisses and cheered them on as soon as she won match point.
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“It was a tough crowd and I figured if I’m going to be here, I better bring home that bigger payday,” Collins said after the game in an on-court interview. “So yeah, thanks for the paycheck Australia.”
“It’s a pretty amazing 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 here, and it looks like a really great day.”
Danielle Collins blows kisses after beating Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Collins beat Aiava 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 in a match that lasted nearly 2 1/2 hours.
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During her postgame press conference with the media, Collins doubled down on her reaction to the crowd, adding that the “energy” of the fans motivates her — no matter who they’re cheering for.
“One of the best things about being a professional athlete is the people who don’t like you and the people who hate you pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept…I remember that all on days when I have this stuff, they pay my bills Every person that buys a ticket to come here and heckle 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)
Collins joked that she likes to take “five-star vacations” with her friends and that her income Australian Open will go on their next trip.
“We love boats – we love big boats. We love yachts. We’ll talk about it and let you know how it goes.”
