American tennis star Danielle Collins sarcastically thanked Australian Open hecklers for “paying my bills” after beating local hope Destanee Aiava in a tense three-set clash on Thursday.
Collins, 31, blew kisses to the fiercely partisan crowd, cut off his ear and even showed off his butt after a stormy 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-2 victory over Aiava , the last Australian to draw it.
“One of the best things about being a professional athlete is the people who don’t like you and the people who hate you, they pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept,” Collins said.
“Every single person that bought a ticket to come here and heckle me or do whatever they do, it all goes to the Danielle Collins Fund.”
Collins was booed for her antics which included shouts of “How about that!” who accompanied his celebrations after converting the match point.
Melbourne-born Aiava, ranked 195th in the world rankings, has won 25 times and even had a famous win when Collins required a medical timeout in the second set to treat a foot injury.
In the decider, Collins saved a break point at 3-2 before winning the final four games of the tie.
“I loved it. I’ve been doing this my whole life,” said the world number 11, who was runner-up at the 2022 Australian Open to another local star, Ashleigh Barty.
“I like playing in an audience that has energy, whatever side they are on. That motivates me even more.
“Go ahead. All I have to say is seriously, good luck trying to put yourself in the shoes of someone who actually doesn’t care.”
Collins will face compatriot and world number 14 Madison Keys for a place in the round of 16.
Keys also needed three sets to defeat Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 7-6 (7/1), 2-6, 7-5.
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