New Delhi: World No.7 Novak Djokovic has backed American tennis player Danielle Collins following an exchange with the spectators after her second round victory over local player Destanee Aiava. The crowd booed the World No.11 in women’s singles when she was up against their own player.
Just after hitting the winner with a strong backhand, Collins blew kisses to the crowd and cupped her left hand on her left ear to ask them ‘How about that’, apparently a cheeky dig. Even after the match, while speaking to the reporters, Collins didn’t held herself from expressing, saying that she loves it as ‘people who hate you end up paying your bills’. She said that every person who bought the tickets to watch the match have contributed to the ‘Danielle Collins Funds’.
Djokovic’s Praise for Collins’ Handling of Crowd Interaction
Djokovic, who has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, is no stranger of being heckled and confronted by the crowd. He has a very good history with such incidents and doesn’t shy away from engaging with the crowd. It is like giving back to them in a respectful way. It wasn’t surprising to hear Djokovic say he loved it what Collins did on court.
“I loved her response. I loved it. Everything she said on the court, off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before. But now? Big fan. I love it,” Djokovic told reporters.
“I heard some comments of people that she shouldn’t have said (this) 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,” the Serb added.
Novak Djokovic says he’s a big fan of Danielle Collins after her interaction with Australian Open crowd
“I loved her response.. everything she said on & off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it😂”
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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2025
Djokovic defeated Tomas Machac of Czech by a score line of 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the fourth round of the men’s singles for the 17th time in Australian Open. Even though he struggled physically, the former World No.1 was determined and played from baseline to take the match home. He will play against another Czech player Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
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