Novak Djokovic Supports Danielle Collins Amid Crowd Controversy
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has declared himself a "big fan" of Danielle Collins following her confrontation with a hostile Australian Open crowd. On Thursday, Collins, the No. 10 seed, faced intense boos from the Melbourne audience after defeating Australian favorite Destanee Aiava in a hard-fought three-set match. The crowd’s negative reaction didn’t go unnoticed, as Collins responded with a show of defiance, cupping her ear to the fans, smacking her bum, and blowing kisses. During her post-match interview, she taunted the crowd further by thanking them for helping her secure a "big fat pay cheque" and suggesting she would go on a "five-star vacation" with her £147,000 prize money. Djokovic, who advanced to the fourth round on Friday, praised Collins for her handling of the situation, calling her "funny, smart" and expressing his newfound admiration for her.
Collins’s Witty Retort to the Booing Fans
Danielle Collins’s win over Destanee Aiava was not just a triumph on the court but also a moment of courage and wit off it. After securing the victory with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, Collins found herself at the center of a hostile crowd, whose members she described as "super drunk." Instead of letting the negativity get to her, she chose to respond with a series of playful gestures, including cupping her ear and smacking her bum, accompanied by a sassily delivered "How about that?" This was followed by a saucy remark during her post-match interview, where she thanked the crowd for paying her bills and joked about going on vacation with her prize money. Collins’s response not only defused the tension but also earned her admiration from fellow players and fans alike, showcasing her resilience and sense of humor in the face of adversity.
Djokovic’s Own Brush with the Crowd
While Danielle Collins’s encounter with the Australian Open crowd was a recent highlight, Novak Djokovic has no shortage of his own experiences with audience interactions. During his third-round match against Tomas Machac, the Serbian star faced a heckler who interrupted his post-match interview. Djokovic, known for his sharp responses, quipped, "Sorry mate, I’ve got a wife," before adding, "We can have a drink, though. Maybe you had a few already." The exchange, while lighthearted, highlighted the ongoing tension between Djokovic and some Australian fans. Despite his unparalleled success at the Australian Open, the 37-year-old has faced a mixed reception, with some booing him on and off the court. However, these incidents seem to only fuel his determination to win, as he continues to dominate the tournament.
Djokovic’s Unparalleled Record at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s journey at the Australian Open is one of the most storied and successful in tennis history. He first claimed the title in 2008 and has since won a record nine more, making a total of ten Australian Open championships. In 2024, Djokovic is aiming for an unprecedented 11th title, a feat that would further solidify his legacy as the king of Melbourne Park. However, his pursuit of this milestone has not been without its challenges. In 2022, he was deported from Australia due to his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19, causing a significant stir. Upon his return in 2023, he received a mixed reception, with both fervent support and boos from the crowd. This year, the tension has escalated, with incidents in his first four rounds prompting pointed gestures and exchanges, yet Djokovic remains unfazed and focused on his goal.
Djokovic’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite facing a stomach bug before his third-round match with Tomas Machac, Djokovic delivered a masterful performance, winning in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in just 142 minutes. He admitted, "I always hope, but I didn’t expect to win in straight sets against him, because he’s in red-hot form, and I’m still to find the best tennis myself. But I prepared myself very well and played a terrific match." Djokovic’s ability to overcome physical discomfort and perform at a high level is a testament to his resilience and preparation. As he advances to the fourth round to face Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, the crowd’s attempts to distract him seem to only motivate him further. His determination and mental fortitude are qualities that have defined his career, making him a formidable opponent in any tournament.
Looking Ahead: Djokovic’s Fourth Round Match and Collins’s Third Round Battle
With Djokovic set to face Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter. Lehecka, a rising star, will undoubtedly bring his best game to challenge the defending champion. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins will take on fellow American Madison Keys in round three. Both matches promise to be intense and are likely to draw significant attention from the tennis community and the media. Djokovic’s rivalry with the Australian crowd and Collins’s defiant stance only add to the narrative, making the 2024 Australian Open a tournament to remember. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these top players to see how they handle the pressure and the unpredictable reactions of the crowd.
