American tennis player Danielle Collins faced a backlash from fans after her victory over Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava in the second round of the Australian Open. The 10th seed Collins, known for reaching the finals in 2022 against Ash Barty, was met with boos from the crowd at Melbourne Park after she provocatively blew kisses and gestured toward them in a defiant manner.
The match itself was a challenging encounter, with Collins claiming victory in a three-set battle, 7-6(7-4), 4-6, 6-2. However, the focus shifted away from the hard-fought win to her controversial actions post-match, which further fuelled the discontent among the fans.
During her on-court interview, as the audience continued to express their displeasure, Collins attempted to address the crowd, initially praising Aiava, before sarcastically thanking the spectators for their support which, according to her, contributed to boosting her prize money. She quipped about using the earnings for a luxurious vacation, underscoring the tension between herself and the local supporters.
The incident has added to ongoing concerns about spectator behavior at the Australian Open. Former Australian player John Millman recently raised concerns over the lack of decorum shown by the crowd, particularly when local players are involved. Millman emphasized the need for greater respect and class from attendees, reflecting on an incident where fans cheered against Australian James Duckworth in favor of a quicker end to his match.
As the tournament progresses, Collins is set to face fellow American Madison Keys in the third round, with lingering questions about both crowd conduct and player reactions likely to persist.