Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic reacts to Danielle Collins crowd interaction - 'I love it'

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Novak Djokovic said he "loved" Danielle Collins' reaction to the hostility she was shown by the crowd at the Australian Open. The American 10th seed was booed loudly by the partisan Australian crowd throughout her 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2 victory over home favourite Destanee Aiava at Kia Arena in the third round. Djokovic also had to deal with hecklers during his third-round win at Rod Laver Arena.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Novak Djokovic said he "loved" Danielle Collins' controversial reaction to the hostility she was shown by the crowd at the Australian Open.

Collins, the American 10th seed, was booed loudly by the partisan home crowd as she defeated Australian Destanee Aiava 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2 at Kia Arena in her third round match.

Collins remarked in her on-court interview that she was thinking about "that big, fat pay cheque" during the match, which riled up the spectators even more.

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She added in her press conference afterwards that fans are "paying my bills" to pour further fuel on the fire.

As for Djokovic, he was the victim of some aggressive heckling at Rod Laver Arena during his third-round victory over Tomas Machac.

The Serb came through 6-1 6-4 6-4 against the 26th seed, and had an extraordinary exchange with one of the hecklers during his own on-court interview, hilariously responding "Sorry, mate, I've got a wife", before offering to "have a drink" with the spectator to reflect on the exchanges that they had had during the course of the match.

In his post-match press conference, Djokovic refused to elaborate further on the interview incident, but showed his full support for Collins and her comments.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"I loved her response," he said.

"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 love it. I heard some comments of people that she shouldn't have said that or that. I think she handled it really well.

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

On his own match, Djokovic suggested some of the hecklers had overstepped the mark.

"I understand you have a few drinks more, and then you get into it," he said. "But on the court it's frustrating, and it comes in a bad moment. If it's repetitive, it happens for an hour, somebody tells you in the corner things that you don't want to hear and are constantly provoking, then of course it comes to the point where you just respond.

"I tried to tolerate it, but then at one point I had to respond, and that's all."

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'Age is just a number'

Speaking to Eurosport's Barbara Schett afterwards, Djokovic remarked that his "age hit" him during his second-set struggles.

However, he put those concerns to rest as he raced clear of his Czech opponent and into the fourth round, where he will face another Czech, Jiri Lehecka.

"I’m very happy with my development in this tournament," Djokovic told Eurosport.

"I really wanted to start this tournament well, because it’s the first tournament with Andy. A new collaboration, new things we’ve worked on on the court. I’ve had a lot of time to get ready for the new season. It’s obviously different once you’re in the tournament.

"Age hits you a little bit, age is just a number. I’m progressing as this tournament goes on. This is the important thing. Raising the level each match - hopefully I can keep going."

Watch and stream the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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