Australian Open 2025: Danielle Collins Thanks Booing Crowd For 'Paying Her Bills'

American tennis player Danielle Collins converted a hostile crowd into a source of motivation after her second-round victory at the Australian Open.

As she played out a thriller 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 win over an Australian wildcard, Destanee Aiava, the 10th-seeded Collins didn't hold back either, playfully cupping her ear and blowing kisses to the crowd at Kia Arena.

Collins Taunts Crowd With a Playful Response

Australian Open 2025: Danielle Collins Thanks Booing Crowd For 'Paying

Rather than letting the negativity affect her, the 31-year-old welcomed the energy and thanked the hecklers for their contribution.

"My professional career isn't going to last forever, so I remind myself that every person heckling me is helping to pay my bills. It's all going towards the Danielle Collins fund," Collins said in a report by Telegraph.

The money Collins gained by reaching the third round – 290,000 Australian dollars, or roughly £147,500 – is already earmarked for something lavish.

"Me and my group of girlfriends, we love a five-star vacation so I can guarantee that cheque is going to go towards our next five-star trip – hopefully to the Bahamas," Collins said.

She will face compatriot Madison Keys in the next round, a tough opponent in her pursuit of further advancement at Melbourne Park.

A Resilient Comeback For the American

Collins' resilience goes beyond the court. The 10th seed returned to professional tennis in 2025 after announcing her retirement at the end of the 2024 season. Despite suffering from endometriosis, a condition that affects fertility, she remains determined to achieve her goals on and off the court.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Collins confessed her desires that lie beyond the tennis court. "Starting a family is one of my biggest goals," she says, pointing to the balance that she would look forward to in her career and personal life.

While crowd reactions can derail many athletes, Collins thrives on the intensity. She embraces the spotlight, hostile or not, using it as fuel for her game. Her spirited response to the hecklers shows her ability to channel negativity into positive outcomes.

As she readies to face Madison Keys, Collins is undistracted. She is confident, determined, and has a perspective on the sport that is different from anyone else, and she looks to continue her run at the Australian Open.

One thing is for sure: whether on the court or aboard a yacht in the Bahamas, Danielle Collins is making the most of every opportunity.