Danielle Collins was repeatedly booed by the Melbourne crowd as she lost to Madison Keys in the third round of the Australian Open.
The American caused controversy with her response to the crowd during her second-round victory over home favorite Destinee Aiava.
After coming through in straight sets, Collins blew kisses to the home fans and slapped her backside before placing her hands to her ears and thanking them for helping her get “a big paycheque”.
And locals clearly hadn’t forgotten her antics, with Collins looking somewhat surprised as she was booed as she entered Rod Laver Arena for her clash with fellow American Keys.
The boos continued at several intervals throughout their match, with Collins requiring treatment for a knee injury before going down 6-4, 6-4.
There was a brief break during the match when a spectator proposed to his partner in the stands, with Collins clapping as she said “yes”.
Collins has been backed by some players for her attitude, with Novak Djokovic – who has used similar tactics in the past – praising her for it.
“I loved her reaction… everything she said on and off the field. Then a big fan of Danielle Collins. I used to be, but now, a big fan. I love it,” he said.
Credit: X / @TheTennisLetter / @eurosport
Collins didn’t hold back after her win over Aiava, thanking fans who booed her for contributing to ‘the Danielle Collins fund’.
“Well, I’m going to be here for two hours and put up with all these people. Might as well take the bigger paycheck, right?” Collins said.
“I was super happy to do that and one of the best things about being a professional athlete is that the people who don’t like you and hate you actually pay your bills.
“It’s a pretty cool concept and obviously my professional career won’t last forever and I remind myself every day that they pay my bills when I have stuff like that.
“Anyone who bought a ticket and came here to harass me can do what he’s doing. It all goes to the Danielle Collins fund. So, yeah, bring it on, I love it.
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