Danielle Collins celebrates her second-round Australian open win over Destanee Aiava with cheeky taunts to the partisan crowd, saying their boos are funding her luxury holidays

Danielle Collins has never shied away from the spotlight, and her second-round victory at the Australian Open was no exception. Facing Destanee Aiava, the last remaining Australian in the women’s singles draw, Collins emerged victorious after a hard-fought 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 battle in Melbourne.

The 31-year-old American, seeded 10th, revelled in her role as the pantomime villain, responding to the partisan crowd’s heckles by blowing kisses and cupping her hand to her ear. After the match, Collins dismissed the jeers, saying, “One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you—they actually pay your bills.”

Collins, who postponed her retirement due to fertility concerns caused by endometriosis, has embraced her fiery persona on the court. “Every ticket they buy goes to the Danielle Collins Fund,” she quipped. “My girlfriends and I love a five-star vacation. The cheque will go towards our next trip, hopefully to The Bahamas. We like big boats, we like yachts, and we’ll be sure to post about it.”

The crowd’s energy seemed to fuel Collins, who credited the hostile atmosphere for helping her seal the win. Despite Aiava’s spirited performance and home support, Collins dominated the final set, showcasing the aggressive baseline play that has defined her career.

This victory marked a key moment in Collins’ tournament, as she continues to push for her first Australian Open title. However, her antics have ensured she’ll remain a divisive figure among fans in Melbourne.

For Collins, the boos appear to be as motivating as applause, as she joked about her detractors funding her future luxuries. “It’s a cool concept,” she added with a grin. “Keep it coming—I’ve got some big plans for this off-season.”

The American now looks ahead to the next round, where she’ll face a tougher challenge. Whether cheered or jeered, one thing is certain: Danielle Collins thrives in the spotlight, no matter the crowd’s opinion.