Danielle Collins thanks ‘super drunk’ booing fans for spurring her to victory
OOn the day of a new attendance record at Melbourne Park, world number 11 Danielle Collins booed and jeered in her victory over local hope Destanee Aiava, the latest Australian Open intervention from a boisterous and often intoxicated crowd in a sport who is known for his politeness.
The treatment appeared to have an impact on the American, who shouted “shut up” at a fan during her tense 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 win, even blew kisses to the stands and turned around to hug her bottom hit the post. -match victory taunts.
Afterwards, she was among a chorus of players calling for the volume to be turned up, not down. The approval comes as Australian Open officials look to attract a non-traditional audience to the sport, and players such as the “Special Ks” doubles tandem of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis encourage the involvement of a new generation of tennis fans.
“I love playing in front of a crowd that has energy no matter what side they’re on,” Collins said after her win. “It just motivates me even more, so it’s a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.”
Aiava, whose mother played for the Australian rugby league team, said it was fun playing in front of the supportive crowd, and they created an atmosphere similar to that of a rugby league match. “It was very different, I think we could use a bit more of that in tennis,” she said.
The Special Ks withdrew from their first-round doubles match on Thursday due to Kokkinakis’ chest injury when they trailed compatriots James Duckworth and Aleks Vukic by a set, but only after an hour of entertainment at the John Cain Arena. The casual, festive atmosphere was underlined at one point when Kyrgios served before an “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chant even had time to wrap up.
Men’s world number 1 Jannik Sinner handled a staunchly pro-Aussie crowd in his four-set victory over local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, and said the passion among fans is positive. “It’s great for tennis, isn’t it? I think the goal should be to make tennis as great as possible,” he said.
Despite the positivity, this tournament was marked by largely futile attempts by referees to control the noise, especially between the first and second serves. During Wednesday’s match between Jack Draper and Kokkinakis, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic addressed the crowd at least a half-dozen times, begging them for silence and at one point lecturing supporters to “respect the players.”
This year the crowds have flocked to the district, culminating in 95,881 people coming through the gates on Thursday, eclipsing last year’s single-day record. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said there will be five times as many activities on offer this year as in 2024.
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Tournament organizers faced criticism from some players last year after adding a two-storey venue that resembled an upscale pub overlooking court six. Still, the alcohol offering has been expanded this year and new bars have been built next to the two main practice courts at Melbourne Park.
Collins said she was mainly targeted because she played an Australian, but alcohol was also a factor. “I think there were a lot of people who were super drunk, having trouble controlling themselves and very excited,” she said.
After his five-set victory over home favorite Kokkinakis, Draper was asked by a British reporter if the crowd was the “worst” thing he had experienced. “People are clearly saying Davis Cup in Argentina or something like that, whistling and laughing in between [points]”, he replied. “I think this is the best atmosphere I’ve ever been in [kind of experience]. I think it was fun to be a part of it, to be honest.”
Collins said that whether the fans boo or cheer her on, they are ultimately the ones paying her bills. “Every single person who bought a ticket to come here and harass me or do what he’s doing, it’s all going to the ‘Danielle Collins fund’.”