In a dramatic encounter at the Australian Open, Danielle Collins faced off against local qualifier Destanee Aiava, overcoming a boisterous crowd to secure a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2. The match, held on Thursday evening in Melbourne, was marked by intense support for the Australian player, which Collins found increasingly challenging as the match progressed. The tension escalated into a lively exchange between the world No. 11 and the spectators, who were determined to back their homegrown talent.
At one point during the match, Collins playfully engaged the crowd by raising her hand to her ear, inviting louder boos in response. However, the atmosphere turned more contentious when, after a missed serve, she paused to shout, “Shut up!” to the jeering audience. Despite the crowd’s hostility, Collins remained composed and confident, ultimately celebrating her victory with a cheeky remark about the financial rewards of her performance. “I might as well just take that big fat pay cheque,” she quipped, adding that part of her earnings would fund a luxurious vacation with fellow player Coco Gauff.
In her post-match press conference, Collins continued her playful banter, emphasizing that the ticket sales from the crowd directly contribute to her earnings. “Every person that bought a ticket to come heckle me, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund. Bring it on,” she stated, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity. She also dismissed any concerns about her reputation as a “villain” on the tour, indicating that she embraces the competitive spirit of the game and the reactions of the crowd.
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