Novak Djokovic approved Danielle Collins’ response to Australian Open hecklers as the Serb funnily stated that he is now “a big fan” of hers.
On Thursday, the American tennis star edged out Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava 7-6 (4) 4-6 6-2.
But it wasn’t only the inspired Australian that she was dealing with it, but also persistent heckling from the crowd who were doing their best to distract her throughout the match.
However, it was Collins who had the last laugh, after telling them to shut up at one point and also blowing them kisses following her win.
Danielle Collins© X screenshot
“I was thinking through the match, I might as well just take that big fat pay cheque,” the 31-year-old told the crowd during her on-court interview.
After making that clear, the world No. 11 also said she would use that money for “a five-star vacation” and also said those people were paying her bills.
Djokovic applauds Collins: She was funny and smart in handling it that way
“I loved her response. I loved it, everything she said on the court, off the court,” the record 24-time Grand Slam champion said of the American.
“Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it.
“I heard some comments of people that she shouldn’t have said that or that. I think she handled it really well.
“I don’t think I would be that polite, and I know exactly the feeling. So I think she was funny, smart, and just big fan of what she did. Big fan.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic is also no stranger to dealing with hecklers in Australia.
Throughout his straight-set win over Tomas Machac on Friday, the Serb was persistently heckled by someone from the crowd.
When that continued during his on-court interview, the 37-year-old funnily told the person in question that he “has a wife” but that they could go out for a drink.
Tennis World USA