American tennis star Danielle Collins called the Australian Open crowd “super drunk” as she celebrated victory over hopeful Destanee Aiava.
Collins put her hand to her ear and blew kisses to the crowd after beating the Australian qualifier 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 in the second round of the women’s singles.
The American was then seen slapping her backside before attacking the home fans for booing her in a post-match interview.
“During the game I was thinking, while I’m here, I might as well take that big paycheck,” Collins said as she was booed during her court interview.
‘We like a five-star holiday, so a lot of it will go there.
“So thank you guys, thank you for coming out here and supporting us tonight. Thanks guys, I love you.”
Danielle Collins smacked her bum as she took on the crowd at the Australian Open
The American star boasted that he had claimed a ‘fat reward’ by reaching the third round
Collins defeated Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava in three sets before taking on the crowd
The American, the tournament’s 10th seed, doubled down in another on-court interview.
Collins, who reached the Australian Open final in 2022, has already collected £147,000 ($180,000/AU$290,000) in prize money by reaching the third round.
The 31-year-old, who reversed her decision to retire at the end of last season, doubled down on her comments on court during her press conference.
Collins said, “Well, I’ll stay here for two hours and put up with all these people. I might as well take the bigger salary, right?’
“I was super happy to do that and one of the best things about being a professional athlete is that the people who don’t like you and hate you actually pay your bills.
“It’s a pretty cool concept and obviously my professional career isn’t going to last forever and I remind myself every day that they pay my bills when I have stuff like that.
“Anyone who bought a ticket and came here to harass me can do what he’s doing. It all goes to the Danielle Collins fund. So yeah, bring it on, I love it.”
When asked about her vacation plans, Collins expressed her desire for a luxury trip to the Bahamas.
“Me and my girlfriends love a five-star vacation, so I can guarantee the next check will go to a five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas.
‘We love boats. Big boats. We love yachts. Yeah, we’ll post about it and let you know how it goes.”
Collins’ decision to hit back at the Australian public’s reception was slammed by some on social media.
“Doesn’t Danielle Collins realize she’s playing an Australian in Australia?” read one message.
‘What does she expect from the audience? They’re going to support the home player, get over it.
“Zero lesson from Collins tonight.”
Another added: “Danielle Collins. Through to the next round without any class.’
Collins now faces an all-American match against Madison Keys in the third round of the tournament.