American tennis star Danielle Collins faced heavy criticism from Australian fans after her contentious behavior during a second-round match at the Australian Open. The world No.10’s antics overshadowed her hard-fought victory against rising Aussie sensation Destanee Aiava.
The match was a grueling three-set thriller, with Collins ultimately prevailing 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2. Aiava, a qualifier, showcased her immense potential and gave the 2022 Australian Open runner-up a tough challenge. However, the fiery American’s on-court conduct drew the ire of the crowd, who were firmly in support of the homegrown talent.
During the match, Collins’ frustration boiled over as she told the vocal crowd to “shut up” after serving a double fault. This remark incited a wave of boos that continued throughout the contest. Despite the tense atmosphere, Collins managed to maintain her composure long enough to close out the match.
Her post-match behavior, however, reignited tensions. As she celebrated her win, Collins raised her arms triumphantly, gestured toward her ear as if to say “how about that,” and blew kisses to the crowd. The reaction from spectators intensified when she added a provocative slap to her bottom.
When questioned about the match during her on-court interview, Collins’ remarks only added fuel to the fire. “I mean, Destanee…” she began, but her comments were drowned out by boos from the crowd. Undeterred, she continued with a controversial quip: “You know, I was thinking there in the match, I was like, ‘Hmm, if I’m out here, I may as well take that big fat pay cheque.’ And Coco and I love a good five-star vacation, so part of that cheque is going toward that. So thank you guys for coming out.”
Collins’ antics have sparked widespread debate among tennis fans, with many accusing her of disrespecting both Aiava and the Australian crowd. While her talent on the court is undeniable, her fiery personality and brash comments have once again thrust her into the spotlight for reasons beyond her tennis prowess.