NOVAK DJOKOVIC has declared himself Danielle Collins’ “biggest fan” – after she taunted a hostile Australian Open crowd.
Collins was booed by punters in Melbourne after knocking out home favourite Destanee Aiava on Thursday.
GettyNovak Djokovic has sent his support to Danielle Collins after the US star had a run-in with the Australian Open crowd[/caption]
AFPCollins was booed after her win over Aussie Destanee Aiava, prompting her to taunt the crowd[/caption]
AlamyShe responded to the jeers by cupping her ear to fans and smacking her bum[/caption]
The No. 10 seed was taken to three sets by Aiva but eventually won out 7-6, 4-6, 6-2.
During her post-match interview, Collins was jeered by the “super drunk” Aussie crowd.
She responded by blowing kisses, cupping her ear and smacking her bum, saying: “How about that?”
Collins later poured fuel on the fire, goading the crowd by thanking them for helping her secure a “big fat pay cheque”.
She also suggested she would go on a “five-star vacation” with her £147,000 prize money.
The 2022 Australian Open finalist added: “One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills.
“My professional career is not going to last forever so I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff [negative crowd reactions] they’re paying my bills.”
Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the competition on Friday and was later asked about Collins’ comments.
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The 24-time Grand Slam winner said: “I loved her response.
“I loved it. Everything she said on the court, off the court.
“Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan.
“I think she was funny, smart and just big fan of what she did.”
Djokovic is searching for a remarkable 11th triumph in Melbourne.
The Serbian was struggling with a stomach bug before his third-round match with Tomas Machac.
But despite his discomfort, Djokovic despatched the 26th seed 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in just 142 minutes.
Inside Djokovic’s love-hate with Aussie Open fans
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has won more Australian Open titles than anyone else and is eyeing up his 11th title in 2024.
The Serbian won his first crown way back in 2008 and admitted a 15-year love-affair with a tree in Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens has been the secret to his success.
But despite his unparalleled record Down Under, it has not always been plain sailing for Djokovic in Australia.
In 2022, he was famously deported from Australia over his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccination and was unable to play in the tournament.
He received a mixed reception upon his return to Melbourne Park in 2023 – with plenty of support but some fans booing.
But in 2024 his relationship with the Aussie crowd really strained with incidents in his first FOUR rounds prompting various pointed fingers to the ear and overexuberant celebrations.
That included Djokovic telling a heckler to “come and say it to my face” before Nick Kyrgios offered to “go all WWE” on any further rowdy fans and then one spectator shouting “get vaccinated mate” before Djokovic responded with an ace on match point.
There is no doubt there is plenty of respect for all Djokovic has achieved in tennis – particularly at the Australian Open – but there still remains an underlying tension with the Aussie crowd that refuses to go away… and the more they try to get under his skin, the more it drives Djokovic on to prove them wrong and keep on winning.
He said: “I always hope, but I didn’t expect to win in straight sets against him, because he’s in red-hot form, and I’m still to find the best tennis myself.
“But I prepared myself very well and played a terrific match.”
The 37-year-old will now face Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round on Sunday.
Collins meanwhile takes on fellow US star Madison Keys in round three.
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