Danielle Collins thanks booing ‘super drunk’ fans for pushing her to victory | Australian Open 2025

Ohn the day of a new attendance record at Melbourne Park, world number 11 Danielle Collins was booed and jeered during her victory over local hope Destanee Aiava, the latest appearance at the Australian Open for the share of noisy and often drunken crowds in a sport known for its civility.

The treatment seemed to affect the American, who shouted “shut up” at a fan during her tense 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 victory, even blowing kisses in the stands and going back and slapping his butt at the post. -match victory taunts.

Afterwards, she was part of a chorus of musicians who demanded that the volume not be lowered, but raised. The endorsement comes as Australian Open officials seek to attract non-traditional audiences to the sport, and players such as the “Special Ks” doubles tandem of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis encourage engagement. a new generation of tennis fans.

“I like playing in a crowd that has energy, no matter what side they’re on,” Collins said after his victory. “It motivates me even more, so it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing very well.”

Aiava, whose mother played for the Australian rugby league team, said it was fun playing in front of a supportive crowd and they created an atmosphere similar to a rugby league match. “It was very different, I think we could use a bit more of that in tennis,” she said.

The Special Ks withdrew from their first-round doubles match on Thursday due to Kokkinakis’ pec injury while trailing by a set to fellow Australians James Duckworth and Aleks Vukic, but not for another hour entertainment at John Cain Arena. The relaxed and festive atmosphere was highlighted by a point when Kyrgios served before a chant of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” had even time to conclude.

Men’s world number 1 Jannik Sinner faced a decidedly pro-Australian crowd in his four-set victory over local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, and said the passion among the fans was positive. “It’s great for tennis, right? I think the goal should be to make tennis as big as possible,” he said.

Despite this positivity, this tournament was marked by largely futile attempts by the referees to control the noise, particularly between the first and second serves. During Wednesday’s clash between Jack Draper and Kokkinakis, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic addressed the crowd at least half a dozen times, imploring them to be quiet and, at one point, urging the supporters to “respect the players”.

Crowds have flocked to the precinct this year, culminating with 95,881 people passing through the gates on Thursday, eclipsing the single-day record set last year. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said there were five times more activities on offer this year compared to 2024.

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Tournament organizers were criticized by some players last year after adding a two-story venue resembling an upmarket pub overlooking court six. Yet the alcohol offering has expanded this year and new bars have been built next to Melbourne Park’s two main training grounds.

Collins said she was primarily targeted because she played an Australian, but alcohol was also a factor. “I think there were a lot of people who were very drunk and having trouble controlling themselves and who were really excited,” she said.

After his five-set victory over local favorite Kokkinakis, a British journalist asked Draper if the crowd was the “worst” he had experienced. “People obviously talk about the Davis Cup in Argentina or something like that, when they whistle and laugh between points,” he replied. “I think it’s almost the best atmosphere I’ve been in, for this (kind of experience). I think it was fun to be a part of, to be fair.

Collins said that at the end of the day, whether fans boo her or cheer her on, they’re the ones who pay her bills. “Every single person that bought a ticket to come here and heckle me or do whatever they do, it all goes to the ‘Danielle Collins fund’.”