Written by Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Thursday, January 16, 2025
Photo credit: Robert Prange/Getty
Danielle Collins she's not afraid to share how she really feels, on and off the tennis court.
And he's not afraid to fight. It's either a determined opponent or a hardened crowd.
That was the case on Wednesday night when No. 10 America took on Australia Destanee Aiava in the second round.
As expected, the Aussie crowd was very anti-Collins during the contest. Collins endured jeers and boos from the crowd throughout the close two-and-a-half-hour fight.
In the end, however, that did not stop Collins from winning 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2 and advancing to the third round. When the match ended, the 31-year-old Collins, a former Australian Open finalist in 2022, held his hand over his left ear in jest to the Kia Arena crowd.
As the taunts grew, he also blew kisses to the fans.
A little “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan song about Danielle Collins post game!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
As he made his way to his seat, Collins then jokingly patted his bottom to the crowd in a 'kiss my butt' gesture.
“People who don't like you, and people who hate you, are actually paying your bills. It's clear that my professional career will not last forever,” said Collins in a press conference after the game. “Anyone who bought a ticket to get out of here is going to attract me, it will all go to the Danielle Collins Fund.”
The woman nicknamed “Danimal” went on to thank Aussie fans for kicking her out of her post-match press. Collins added that his third-round salary will likely pay for a 5-star vacation with his friends later this year.
Danielle Collins in the crowd after beating Aiava at the Australian Open“During the game I was like, while I'm here I might as well take that fat money.”
The crowd roars.
Everything is possible.
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 turn against him from the start. But, whether the crowd is for him or against him, Collins always uses it to fuel his desire to win.
Danielle Collins says the best thing about being a professional athlete is that her haters pay her bills:“Every person who bought a ticket to come is amazing, it all goes to the Danielle Collins Fund. Bring it.” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2025
“I loved it. I've been doing this all my life. I love playing (in front of) a strong crowd, no matter what side we're on. It inspires me a lot.”
Embed from Getty Images
The hot Collins will face his American counterpart Madison Keys in the next round.
