Novak Djokovic has weighed in on Danielle Collins’ headline-making crowd interactions at the Australian Open, calling her actions both entertaining and good for the sport. Collins, known for her fierce competitiveness, drew attention during her match when she playfully responded to a hostile crowd. Djokovic’s comments reflect his belief that tennis could benefit from loosening up and embracing more personality on the court.
What Did Danielle Collins Do At Australian Open?
Little bit of prime “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan about Danielle Collins post match!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
During her second-round match at the Australian Open, Collins faced a crowd that was not entirely on her side. After defeating Australia’s Destanee Aiava, Collins was met with boos from sections of the audience. In response, she blew kisses to the crowd, cupped her ear as if to invite more noise, and even tapped her backside in a cheeky gesture. These antics sparked a wave of online discussion, with opinions split between criticism and admiration for her boldness.
Collins also thanked the crowd for “paying her bills” in a not-so-humble post-match interview. She remarked, “I was thinking during the match, ‘if I’m out here I might as well take that big fat pay check.” She also mentioned plans to use her prize money for a luxury vacation, stating, “Coco [Vandeweghe] and I, we love a good five-star vacation. So part of that check is going to go towards that – so, thank you.”
This is just brilliant Danielle!
The “morally superior” Tennis fans and media are going to be absolutely seething with this! 😂#DanielleCollins ✊🏾pic.twitter.com/7Ll24a4R4S
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) January 16, 2025
Collins later explained her actions in the post-match press conference. “I play with emotion, and sometimes the crowd’s energy can fuel me,” she said. “If they’re going to bring it, I’ll bring it right back. It’s all in good fun.” She added that moments like these make tennis more engaging for fans and players alike.
What Did Novak Djokovic Say About Danielle Collins?
Djokovic, no stranger to managing polarized crowds himself, voiced his support for Collins’ approach. Speaking to reporters, he called her response “smart and funny.” “I’m a big fan of Danielle Collins after this,” Djokovic said. “She handled it with great wit, and I think tennis needs more of this kind of energy.”
The 23-time Grand Slam champion elaborated on how the sport could benefit from embracing individuality. “Sometimes tennis can be very traditional and rigid. Players showing their personalities, interacting with the crowd, even in unconventional ways, makes the sport more relatable and exciting. This is what younger audiences want to see.”
Who is Danielle Collins?
Collins has built a reputation as a fiery competitor who thrives under pressure. Her actions during the match reflected her philosophy of channeling the crowd’s energy, whether positive or negative.
“When you’re in the middle of a match, and the crowd is loud, you’ve got two options: let it rattle you or use it to fire yourself up,” Collins explained. She emphasized that she meant no disrespect to fans but saw the moment as an opportunity to showcase her passion and sense of humor.
Tennis Needs More Entertainment According to Djokovic
Collins’ display and Djokovic’s endorsement highlight an ongoing discussion in the sport about how to make tennis more engaging. Traditionalists often criticize players for breaking unwritten rules of decorum, but many fans argue that moments like these add drama and make matches more entertaining.
Djokovic suggested that tennis explore ways to modernize its presentation. “Why not have music between games or let players show more emotion on the court? These little things can make a big difference,” he said.
Collins’ actions have certainly sparked debate, but they also spotlight the evolving nature of tennis. As Djokovic put it, “We’re all here to compete and entertain. Let’s not forget that second part.”
