Written by Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Thursday, January 16, 2025
Picture credit score: Robert Prange/Getty
Danielle Collins she’s not afraid to share how she actually feels, on and off the tennis court docket.
And he is not afraid to battle. It is both a decided opponent or a hardened crowd.
That was the case on Wednesday night time when No. 10 America took on Australia Destanee Aiava within the second spherical.
As anticipated, the Aussie crowd was very anti-Collins in the course of the contest. Collins endured boos and boos from the group all through the shut two-and-a-half-hour battle.
Ultimately, nonetheless, that didn’t cease Collins from profitable 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2 and advancing to the third spherical. 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 Area crowd.
Because the taunts grew, he additionally blew kisses to the followers.
A bit “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan track about Danielle Collins submit recreation!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
As he made his method to his seat, Collins jokingly patted his backside to the group in a ‘kiss my butt’ gesture.
“Individuals who do not such as you, and individuals who hate you, are literally paying your payments. It is clear that my skilled profession is not going to final without end,” mentioned Collins in a press convention after the sport. “Anybody who purchased a ticket to get out of right here goes to draw me, it’ll all go to the Danielle Collins Fund.”
The lady nicknamed “Danimal” went on to thank Aussie followers for kicking her out of her post-match press. Collins added that his third-round wage will doubtless pay for a 5-star trip together with his mates later this 12 months.
Danielle Collins within the crowd after beating Aiava on the Australian Open“In the course of the recreation I used to be like, whereas I am right here I would as properly take that fats cash.”
The gang roars.
Every little thing is feasible.
pic.twitter.com/b3pxejPHkc
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2025
Collins gave full credit score to Aiava for taking part in an important recreation and absolutely anticipated the group to show in opposition to him from the beginning. However, whether or not the group is for him or in opposition to him, Collins all the time makes use of it to gas his need to win.
Danielle Collins says one of the best factor about being knowledgeable athlete is that her haters pay her payments:“Everybody who purchased a ticket to come back is superb, all of it goes to the Danielle Collins Fund. Carry it.” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2025
“I liked it. I have been doing this all my life. I really like enjoying (in entrance of) a powerful crowd, it doesn’t matter what facet we’re on. It conjures up me rather a lot.”
Embed from Getty Photos
The new Collins will face his American counterpart Madison Keys within the subsequent spherical.
