'Take that big fat pay cheque!' - Danielle Collins aims ‘pay your bills’ barb at partisan Australian Open crowd

React to this story

USA's Danielle Collins caused a stir on day five of the Australian Open with an astonishing post-match interview after sealing her place in the third round. Collins defeated Australia's Destanee Aiava in three sets and was loudly booed by the home fans in attendance. In response, Collins told spectators she was happy to take her "big, fat pay cheque" to enjoy a "five-star vacation" Down Under.

'Big, fat pay cheque!' - Collins riles crowd after being booed, interview cut short

Video credit: TNT Sports

Danielle Collins confronted a partisan Australian Open crowd head-on in a post-match interview after beating home hopeful Destanee Aiava in three sets.

The American 31-year-old, who reached the final in Melbourne in 2022, completed a 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2 win over Aiava amid a chorus of boos and celebrated wildly after booking her spot in the third round when her opponent dumped a backhand into the net.

Collins cupped her ear with her hand as she walked to the net and could be seen mouthing "How about that?" before blowing several sarcastic kisses in the direction of those in attendance at the Kia Arena.

Wimbledon

‘Wimbledon is probably going to ban me’ - Swiatek reveals bizarre strawberry and cream twist

06/07/2025 at 11:18

Things continued in a similar vein when Collins conducted her on-court interview in the immediate aftermath.

Given a chance to share her thoughts on a "rollercoaster" of a match, Collins briefly attempted a serious response before goading the crowd once more as the jeers continued to fill the stadium.

"I was thinking during the match, 'if I'm out here, I might as well just take that big fat pay cheque!'," Collins said after taking control of the microphone.

"Coco [Gauff] and I, we love a good five-star vacation, so part of that cheque is going to go towards that. So thank you guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight."

Watch incredible scenes as Collins trolls booing home crowd with celebrations

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Australian fans, renowned as a fiercely passionate bunch, went on voicing their displeasure, while many were left in shock at what was unfolding.

And Collins doubled down during her post-match press conference, adding: "One of the great things about being an athlete is, 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 and so I just remind myself every day when I have that stuff, they're paying my bills.

"Every person that's bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins fund.

'They're paying my bills!' - Collins says she 'loved' partisan crowd after dramatic win

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Bring it on, I love it."

The comments are all the more surprising given this is the tournament at which Collins has enjoyed the most Grand Slam success.

She reached the semi-finals in 2019 and went a step further in 2022, losing out to Australian Ashleigh Barty in the 2022 final.

Up next is a clash with her fellow American Madison Keys, who struggled past Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 7-6(1) 2-6 7-5.

Asked for her thoughts on facing Keys, she said: "Madison and I go back to like 10 years old [and] being pen pals. I obviously have known here for a good portion of my life so looking forward to playing a good match."

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

Wimbledon

'Ball was listening to me' - Swiatek growing in confidence after Collins win

06/07/2025 at 08:34

Australian Open

Sabalenka admits Australian Open final defeat was on her mind 'for a week'

09/02/2025 at 17:48