American tennis star Danielle Collins is not winning any popularity contests at the Australian Open, and she's perfectly content with that. Following her 2022 finalist appearance, Collins progressed to the third round of the 2025 tournament after a hard-fought victory against Australian player Destanee Aiava. The home crowd's reaction to her win? Let's just say it wasn't warm and fuzzy.
Collins, facing boos throughout the match, responded with blown kisses and playful gestures towards the spectators upon securing match point. In a post-match interview, she candidly remarked, "It was a challenging atmosphere, but I figured I might as well earn that bigger paycheck while I'm here. So, thanks for the money, Australia!"
She further elaborated on her perspective, stating, "It’s quite rewarding as an athlete because, ultimately, the people who dislike or even hate you are contributing to your income. It's a genuinely satisfying feeling."
The match against Aiava stretched over two and a half hours, with Collins ultimately prevailing 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2.
In her post-match press conference, Collins reiterated her stance on the crowd's reaction, explaining that the fans' energy, whether positive or negative, fuels her performance. "One of the perks of professional sports is that even those who aren't your fans still contribute to your livelihood. It's a fascinating concept. I remind myself of this whenever I face negativity – they're essentially funding my lifestyle."
Collins even joked about her plans for her Australian Open earnings, mentioning her fondness for luxurious vacations with friends. "We enjoy boats, particularly large ones – yachts, to be specific. We'll keep everyone updated on our adventures through social media."
