Danielle Collins told the crowd to kiss her bottom (Image: Getty)
Danielle Collins has mocked the “rowdy” Melbourne crowd after knocking local qualifier Destanee Aiava out of the .
The American said: “One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund. Bring it on. I love it.”
The world No.11, who nearly retired last year, was heckled and booed throughout her 7-6 4-6 6-2 win over Aiava in the Kia Arena. And after sealing the win, the 2022 finalist here cupped her ear to the crowd, blew kisses and touched her backside.
And the world No.11 came quickly into her post-match press conference to unload.
said the abusive Aussie crowd gave him more “energy” when he came back to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in five sets in the John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.
And Collins said: “Good luck trying to get under the skin of somebody that really doesn’t care. I loved it. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on.
“I’m somebody, too, it kind of just motivates me even more. So it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.
Danielle Collins gave it back to the crowd (Image: Getty)
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“So I think it really helped me in the end. Just helped me concentrate more and challenged me at times. Pushed me kind of through the finish line.
“I was really happy to, in the end when I finally got momentum, I’m like, Well, if I’m going to be out here for two-and-a-half hours, putting up with all these people, I might as well just take the bigger paycheck, right? I was super happy to do that.
“One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept. Obviously my professional career is not going to last forever. So I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff, they’re paying my bills. Every person that’s bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund. Yeah, bring it on. I love it.”
She has already banked A$290,000 (£147,452) for reaching the third round – and would earn A$3.5m for winning the first Grand Slam of the year.
“Me and my group of girlfriends love a five-star vacation,” Collins added. “I can guarantee you that check is going to go towards our next five-star trip, hopefully to The Bahamas. We like big boats, we like big boats, we like yachts. We’ll post about it, let you guys know how it goes.”