Danielle Collins of the U.S. reacts after defeating Destanee Aiava of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
American tennis star Danielle Collins had her fair share on run-ins with the crowd in the KIA Arena who were vociferously supporting her opponent Australia’s Destanee Aiava in the Australian Open on Thursday.
She sarcastically blew a kiss to the crowd in the break of play after a very tight first set against local favourite Aiava which the American won 7-6(4).
She would also tell a spectator to shut up while serving in the second set as boos rained down on her from all sides. She also took a medical timeout to get treatment on her foot while her Australian opponent lead the set 5-2 as the crowd jeered her all the way.
Little bit of prime “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan about Danielle Collins post match!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
Collins would lose the second set but would rally in the 3rd, beating Aiava 6-2 to win the match 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2.
After winning, she nor the crowd were in the mood to let up as Collins cupped her hand around her ear while blowing sarcastic kisses to the spectators.
“You know, I was thinking during the match … if I’m out here I might as well just take that big, fat paycheck. Coco (Gauff) and I love a good five-star vacation, so part of that check is going to go towards that. So thank you guys! Thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight,” Collins cheekily took a dig at the crowd as they rained fire on her.
Collins, a former Australian Open finalist will next face fellow American and 19th seed Madison Keys in the 3rd Round. Earlier in the day, Keys defeated Romania’s Elena Gabriela Ruse 7-6 (1), 2-6, 7-5.
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