Playing in front of the Australian crowd is one enormous challenge that many top athletes would fear. Even the best in the world, like Novak Djokovic have faced steamy encounters with fans during the Australian Open over the years. Remember his ugly clash with a tennis fan at the 2024 Australian Open? In the ongoing edition, it was Danielle Collins who caught the limelight with her interaction with a booing Australian Open crowd. However, the American star responded well to the situation which earned praise from Djokovic.

Yesterday, Collins was up against the local favorite, Destanee Aiava, in the second round of the tournament. Despite the young Australian giving her all, Collins prevailed in a thrilling three-set match, which didn’t go down well with the home fans. As a result, they booed Collins throughout the match, but the American star kept her cool. After securing her victory, Collins responded by cupping her ear and blowing kisses to the booing fans, which was highly appreciated by Djokovic.

During an interview at the Australian Open, Djokovic 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 a big fan. I heard some comments from people that she, you know she shouldn’t have said that or that I think she handled it really well I don’t think I would be that polite um, and uh but and I know exactly the feeling so I think she was funny, smart. Big fan of what she did. Big fan(laughs).”

After defeating Aiava, Collins proceeded toward the chair and blew flying kisses in all directions, which was a fitting response to the rude crowd who kept booing her. Additionally, Collins also kissed her hand and slapped her buttocks in a dismissive reaction to the hostility shown by the fans.

Nonetheless, it was a strong performance by Collins, who is loving her life on the court. During an interview after the match, she opened up about the atmosphere in the stadium.

Danielle Collins loved playing in the steamy atmosphere

Despite Collins facing a hostile crowd throughout the match, she enjoyed playing her second-round encounter in Melbourne.

After the match, Collins revealed, “I’ve been doing this my whole life and I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on. I’m somebody, too, that it just motivates me even more so it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well. So I think it really helped me in the end and just helped me concentrate more, and challenged me at times, and just pushed me through the finish line.”

Collins said there were “a lot of people who were really drunk,” and she thinks that made the whole thing even louder and crazier.

Indeed, the lively crowd motivated Collins to perform better as she cruised to the third round of the tournament. Well, Collins will receive 290,000 Australian dollars ($180,000) for reaching the third round. She also made a lighthearted comment, saying that the prize money is “all going towards the Danielle Collins fund.

The American star will next face her compatriot, Madison Keys, for a place in the pre-quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Can Collins win her maiden Grand Slam title at the ongoing Australian Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.