“She shouldn’t have…,” Novak Djokovic gives verdict on Danielle Collins’ controversial antics at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic, who had to shut up a heckler, revealed if he liked the way Danielle Collins responded to the rowdy Australian Open crowd.

“She shouldn’t have…,” Novak Djokovic gives verdict on Danielle Collins’ controversial antics at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic praised Danielle Collins for the way she responded to the hecklers at the Australian Open (Images via X)

Novak Djokovic became a huge fan of Danielle Collins after what she did to shut up the hecklers at the Australian Open. Djokovic, following his third-round match against Tomas Machac on Friday (January 17), praised Collins for the way she handled the situation.

Collins battled past Destanee Aiava, the last Australian woman in the draw 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday (January 16) in the second round. Shortly after her win, she cupped her ear, blew kisses to the rowdy crowd inside the Show Court Arena.

YouTube video

Collins didn’t stop there. After the customary handshake with her opponent and the chair-umpire, she blew more kisses and even slapped her backside.

FS Video

Then, during the on-court interview, she sarcastically thanked the crowd for her ‘big fat paycheck’ amid loud boos. Her antics received mixed reactions, with Djokovic coming out in support of her.

I loved her response. I loved it, everything she said on the court, off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I heard some comments from people that she shouldn’t have said that. I think she handled it really well.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Djokovic, who himself had to deal with hecklers during his third-round match, said he knows how Collins felt, which prompted the feisty reaction.

I don’t think I would be that polite, and I know exactly the feeling. So I think she was funny, smart, and just a big fan of what she did.

Novak Djokovic added
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Collins is scheduled to face compatriot Madison Keys on Saturday (January 18) in the third round. The 10th seed is also playing doubles, but she and her partner Desirae Krawczyk were defeated in the first round.

Novak Djokovic admits he struggled during third-round match

Novak Djokovic is not a youngster anymore and confessed that he was struggling during his third-round match against Tomas Machac, which he won 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes. Following the match, Djokovic called his performance the ‘best match’ of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic (6)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

I’m very happy with my game. I am slightly surprised with the result, to beat him in straight sets. He was a break up early in the second. I struggled physically there. I tried to catch my breath. I’m not 19 anymore.

Novak Djokovic said during his on-court interview
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Djokovic will be facing 24th seed Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round, which he reached for the 17th time at Melbourne Park. The 24-time Grand Slam champion faced Lehecka in the 2024 United Cup and beat him in three sets.