Novak Djokovic has had his say after Danielle Collins went viral following her victory over home favourite Destanee Aiava in the second round of the Australian Open. The 31-year-old secured her passage to the next round after winning the match 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2, but her triumph was marred by a series of bad-tempered exchanges with the local crowd who, naturally, were keen to see Australia's Aiava advance.
At one point during the match, world number 11 Collins reacted to the taunts of those in attendance by telling one fan to "shut up". Having endured two hours and 22 minutes of boos from the crowd, Collins was determined to have the final word once she won the match.
As soon as she'd won the point necessary to seal victory, Collins cupped her ears to the crowd and then blew them kisses. The rage of the fans only got worse when the American mockingly slapped her backside in response to their reaction.
Novak Djokovic Admits to Being 'Big Fan' of Collins' Antics
Tennis icon admits he would have done the same in the American's shoes
Collins' actions have attracted widespread criticism online, with fans and pundits alike condemning her unsportsmanlike behaviour. However, 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic isn't among those voices.
The Serbian legend even conceded that he may have gone even further than Collins if he had been faced with the same barrage of abuse.
"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. 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."
Djokovic has had a number of disagreements with boisterous crowds down the years. At Wimbledon last year, he used his post-match interview following his victory over Holger Rune to criticise those in attendance who he felt were booing him - and clearly believes that players are well within their rights to hit back at fans' negativity towards them while on court.
Collins doubled down on her sentiments when interviewed by the host broadcaster. Having guaranteed minimum prize money of £147,500, she gleefully thanked the fans for helping her to fund "a five-star vacation". Later, in her post-match press conference, she referenced fans contributing to "the Danielle Collins Fund".
After her victory over Aiava saw her eliminate the last remaining Australian in the tournament, Collins is unlikely to get a great reception when she takes to the court for her third round match with Madison Keys on Sunday. Djokovic will also compete again on Sunday as he takes on 24th-seed Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
- Nick Sutherland
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