By Eric Goodris | @atntennis | Thursday, January 16, 2025
Photo: Robert Prange/Getty
Danielle Collins he’s not afraid to show how he really feels, both on and off the tennis court.
And she is not afraid of a fight. Either against a determined opponent or against a tough crowd.
That was the case on Wednesday night when the American No. 10 took on the Australian Destanee Ayava in the second round.
As expected, the Australian crowd was very anti-Collins during the contest. Collins endured jeers and boos from the crowd during the very close two and a half hour fight.
In the end, though, that didn’t stop Collins from winning 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2 to put himself through to the third round. When the match ended, the 31-year-old Collins, a former 2022 Australian Open finalist, held her hand over her left ear in jest to the Kia Arena crowd.
As the taunts got louder, she also blew kisses to the fans.
A bit of Hollywood staple Hulk Hogan about Danielle Collins after the match!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
As she made her way to her chair, Collins then jokingly patted her bum in front of the crowd suggesting a ‘kiss my bum’ gesture.
“The people you don’t like, and the people who hate you, they actually pay your bills. “Obviously, my professional career won’t last forever,” Collins said in her post-match press conference. “Whoever bought a ticket to come out here and say hi to me, it will all go towards the Danielle Collins Fund.”
The woman nicknamed “Danimal” went on to thank the Australian fans who took a shot at her presser after the match. Collins added that her third-round salary will probably go toward paying for a 5-star vacation with her friends later this year.
Danielle Collins in front of the crowd after beating Aiava at the Australian Open“During the game I was like, while I’m out here, I can get that big fat paycheck.”
The crowd is screaming.
Everything is happening.
pic.twitter.com/b3pxejPHkc
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2025
Collins gave full credit to Aiava for playing a great game and fully expected the crowd to be against her from the start. But whether a crowd is for her or against her, Collins always uses it to fuel her desire to win.
Danielle Collins says the best thing about being a professional athlete is that her haters pay her bills:“Every single person who bought a ticket to come, it bothers me, it all goes to the Danielle Collins Fund. Bring it on.” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2025
“I liked it. I have done this all my life. I love playing (in front of) a crowd that has energy, no matter what side they’re on. It motivates me more.”
Brave Collins will next face another American Madison Keys in the next round.
