Danielle Collins shared her thoughts on tennis’ popularity in Australia.
The country’s Grand Slam, which is currently ongoing at Melbourne Park, usually sets the tone for the start of the pulsating tennis calendar.
This year is no different as the Australian Open has showcased some new names while the game’s biggest players go in search of glory.
In 2025 the players are vying for the trophy in front of record numbers, after the tournament announced on Wednesday that they had set a new attendance record.
What did Danielle Collins say about the Australian Open crowds?
Danielle Collins has a somewhat turbulent relationship with tennis crowds. Collins has developed a reputation for telling them exactly she feels which usually results in boos or jeers.
But following her second round victory at the Australian Open inside a raucous Kia Arena, Collins was asked about the Grand Slam’s new attendance record, and she is pleased to see even more fans coming through the gates.
“I feel like you could definitely see today just looking around the grounds that there were a lot of people here, more tennis fans coming out to support” she told reporters during her press conference.
“I think Australia specifically has a huge tennis fan base. We see a lot of crowds each year. I definitely noticed today just observing from the dining area of everybody walking around. It seems like there were more people than ever before.
“Yeah, it’s super great for the sport. Obviously this is so important for all of us. It’s a big part of why we’re able to get to be professional tennis players and do this for a living.”
Danielle Collins comments on intense end to Australian Open second round match
Collins won an intense second round encounter at the Australian Open against home favourite Destanee Aiava and did her best to antagonise the crowd.
Collins, who knew most fans were cheering for her opponent Aiava, blew a kiss in their direction after she took the first set. The American came from behind to claim a 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2 victory to reach the third round at Melbourne Park.
She then proceeded to perform a post-match celebration which included putting her hands to her ears and blowing more kisses to the crowd, and screaming “how about that?”, as boos filled the arena. Post-match Collins told reporters that she thrives in that environment.
“I loved it. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on,” she said. “It kind of just motivates me even more.
“So it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well. So I think it really helped me in the end. Just helped me concentrate more and challenged me at times. Just, yeah, pushed me kind of through the finish line.”
Further addressing her detractors, Collins added: “I was really happy to, in the end when I finally got momentum, I’m like, Well, if I’m going to be out here for two-and-a-half hours, putting up with all these people, I might as well just take the bigger paycheck, right? I was super happy to do that.
“One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept. Obviously my professional career is not going to last forever.
“So I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff, they’re paying my bills. Every person that’s bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund.”
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