Everything Danielle Collins said after controversial Australian Open 2R: From haters paying her bills to almost dropping an F-bomb

Danielle Collins remains defiant after her run-in with the rowdy Australian Open crowd. According to the American, who had found herself at the receiving end of booing and heckling during her encounter with Destanee Aiava, such actions only get her more fired up.

After coming through the encounter in three dramatic sets, Collins gestured to the crowd to cheer for the victor. The animated reaction drew further jeers from the crowd, continuing all the way through her on-court interview.

The American did not back down and sarcastically thanked the crowd for helping her earn a big paycheque. In her post-match press conference, she doubled down on those comments and said she has learned to deal with hecklers and hostile crowds over the years.

Repeating her comments, the former finalist said she loved the fact that people who hate her (and, by extension, any other athlete) actually pay her bills by buying tickets to watch her play.

"One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people that don't like you, and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills," Danielle Collins said. "It's kind of a cool concept. And, you know, obviously my professional career is not going to last forever, and so, I just remind myself every day, like, when I have that kind of stuff, 'they're paying my bills'."

"Every person that's bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or, you know, do what they do, like it's all going towards the Danielle Collins fund," she added.

When asked whether being portrayed as a villain bothered her going forward at the tournament, Collins replied negatively, saying such things were unlikely to get under her skin.

"All I have to say is good luck pissing somebody off or getting under the skin of somebody that literally doesn't give a (f***)… can I say it? (laughs)" the American said.

Collins also mentioned that she relishes the idea of playing in the presence of an energetic crowd, no matter whose side they are on.

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"I love playing in a crowd that has energy regardless of what side they're on" - Danielle Collins amid Australian Open row

Danielle Collins celebrating her win at the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Danielle Collins has been around the Tour for years and has played in hostile conditions before, including at the Billie Jean King Cup, on several occasions. Those experiences, she said, have made her used to these things.

The American added that she enjoys playing in front of a boisterous crowd, irrespective of what side they are on as it motivates her when she is not playing her best tennis.

"I loved it," Danielle Collins said. "I like, you know, I've been doing this whole life and I love playing in a crowd that has energy regardless of what side they're on."

"I'm somebody too, like, you know, it kind of just like motivates me even more so it's kind of a good thing especially when I'm not playing that well," she added.

Up next for Collins at the Australian Open is her compatriot and recently crowed Adelaide champion Madison Keys, who beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her last encounter.