"Man loves Nick Kyrgios, obviously Novak Djokovic likes bullies" - Fans divided over Serb's take on Danielle Collins' drama with Australian Open crowd

Novak Djokovic backed Danielle Collins after the American's altercation with the crowd during and after her third-round win at the 2025 Australian Open. However, Djokovic's support for Collins left fans polarized, with some condemning the Serb and others appreciating him.

At a press conference, the 24-time Major winner was asked about Collins' actions and words directed at the Melbourne crowd that incessantly booed her over her third-round victory against home hope Destanee Aiava. In response, the Serb said:

"I loved her response.. everything she said on & off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it."

Several fans lambasted Novak Djokovic for siding with Danielle Collins. Some of these fans also brought up Djokovic's friendship with Nick Kyrgios, the Australian ATP star who has gained notoriety over the years for his interactions with the crowds, officials and even his opponents.

"Guys, your man loves Kyrgios... obviously as a bully, he likes bullies...," a fan wrote.

"Just like he’s a big fan of Kyrgios! How does this guy land on the opposite side of decent human behaviour EVERY damn time? How? It must be some kind of world record!" another commented.

"The greatest player of all time but literally always on the WRONG side of the history," another chimed in.

However, there were others who loved the fact that the Serb was appreciative of Collins' polarizing behavior.

"I just knew he would love that reaction from Danielle Collins! Absolute legend... both of them!" stated one fan.

"Yes, women's tennis needs such personality on the tour. She generated by herself more media content for the AO than all the women together that day, Collins is one of a kind," added another.

"He's right, she definitely won me over with what she did , sport needs characters and she's one of them. Its nice when the crowd get a taste of their own medicine," yet another fan weighed in.

In the immediate aftermath of her third-round win over Destanee Aiava at the 2025 Australian Open, Danielle Collins unapologetically sent flying kisses to the booing crowd and also cupped her ear with her hand while encouraging the crowd to boo her more. The American also took swipes at them during her post-match interview, suggesting that haters help her pay her bills.

Djokovic himself stirred controversy by responding to a seemingly inebriated fan after his own third-round win over Tomas Machac.

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"We can have a drink though, maybe you’ve had a few already?" - Novak Djokovic to heckler after Australian Open 3R win

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic, no stranger to getting involved in heated exchanges with fans, was at it again during his third-round match at the 2025 Australian Open against Tomas Machac. While there was back-and-forth between the Serb and the fan throughout the contest, the former No. 1 had the last laugh during the post-match, on-court interview, when the fan shouted out loud in an attempt to interrupt him.

"Sorry, mate, I have a wife. We can have a drink though. Maybe you’ve had a few already? Him and I were going back and forth for quite a while actually," Djokovic said.

When the interviewer asked the Serb if he would like a date to be set up with the heckler, he replied:

"Listen, I’m happy to have a drink with him now that the match is over. We can reflect nicely on what we’ve said to each other during the match."

The former ATP No. 1 is set to clash against Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round next. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins is slated to take on Madison Keys in an all-American fourth-round affair on the women's side.