Danielle Collins told the Australian Open crowd to “shut up” before mocking them by stating that she would use their money for a nice vacation.
On Thursday evening in Melbourne, the American edged out local qualifier Destanee Aiava 7-6 (4) 4-6 6-2.
Throughout the match, the crowd was heavily supporting the Australian player and it was getting on Collins’ nerve – so it pretty much became a back-and-forth battle the world No. 11 and the spectators.
At one point, the 2022 Australian Open finalist raised her hand to her ear, provoking the crowd to boo her harder.
After one missed serve and the crowd cheering, the former world No. 7 stopped between serves and yelled: “Shut up!”
Lmfaooo not Danielle Collins telling the Aussie crowd to shut up 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/6zKBfSBTjx
— 🦖 (@RamoFootball) January 16, 2025
Following her win, Collins was heavily booed by the crowd during her on-court match – but she remained unfazed – and threw some shade at them.
“I was thinking through the match, I might as well just take that big fat pay cheque,” she told the crowd.
“Coco and I, we love a good five-star vacation so part of that cheque will go towards that so thank you. Thank you for coming out here and supporting us tonight.
“Thanks everyone … thanks guys, love you.”
Danielle Collins© Australian Open/YouTube
Collins: Your money goes to my pocket
Later in her presser, the American took another shot at the spectators, saying the money they used to pay their tickets now directly goes to her.
So as long as people are paying to see her play, she is fine with the heckling.
“Every person that bought a ticket to come heckle me, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund. Bring it on,” the world No. 11 said.
In the same presser, the American dismissed that she has any issues with being considered “a villain” on the Tour.
Tennis World USA