NOVAK DJOKOVIC has declared himself Danielle Collins’ “biggest fan” – after she taunted a hostile Australian Open crowd.
Collins was booed by punters in Melbourne after knocking out home favourite Destanee Aiava on Thursday.
The No. 10 seed was taken to three sets by Aiva but eventually won out 7-6, 4-6, 6-2.
During her post-match interview, Collins was jeered by the “super drunk” Aussie crowd.
She responded by blowing kisses, cupping her ear and smacking her bum, saying: “How about that?”
Collins later poured fuel on the fire, goading the crowd by thanking them for helping her secure a “big fat pay cheque”.
She also suggested she would go on a “five-star vacation” with her £147,000 prize money.
The 2022 Australian Open finalist added: “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.
“My professional career is not going to last forever so I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff [negative crowd reactions] they’re paying my bills.”
Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the competition on Friday and was later asked about Collins’ comments.
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The 24-time Grand Slam winner said: “I loved her response.
“I loved it. Everything she said on the court, off the court.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Novak Djokovic shows off bizarre new health fad he wears on his head during flights” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366985760112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan.
“I think she was funny, smart and just big fan of what she did.”
Djokovic himself had a run-in with a ‘drunk’ fan during his latest win.
When a spectator called out from the crowd during his post-match interview, Djokovic was clear irked and said: “Sorry mate, I’ve got a wife.”
He added: “We can have a drink, though. Maybe you had a few already. Him and I were going back and forth for quite a while, actually.”
Djokovic is searching for a remarkable 11th triumph in Melbourne.
The Serbian was struggling with a stomach bug before his third-round match with Tomas Machac.
But despite his discomfort, Djokovic despatched the 26th seed 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in just 142 minutes.
He said: “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.”
The 37-year-old will now face Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round on Sunday.
Collins meanwhile takes on fellow US star Madison Keys in round three.