Danielle Collins has been making headlines throughout the Australian Open, not just for her tennis ability.
After a thrilling first week of action at the Australian Open, one tennis star has certainly got the world of tennis talking.
Collins was booed after her second-round win, prompting her to taunt the crowd, reminding them that they pay her bills.
Fans were anticipating more drama in the third round as she took on fellow American Madison Keys.
Despite some boos from the crowd, there wasn’t too much drama to be had, as Collins lost to Keys in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6.
Ahead of the match, one of the sport’s greatest-ever players gave his thoughts on the controversial WTA star.
Jimmy Connors ‘loves’ what Danielle Collins has done at the Australian Open
Speaking on his Advantage Connors podcast, former world number one Jimmy Connors revealed whether he is a fan of the American world number 11.
“I am a fan of hers,” he said.
“She has her own personality, she is her own character, she has got her own game, she has her own style.
“She plays it and do you know what I like best?
“She is not apologizing to anybody, I love that.”
Connors was speaking prior to Collins’ defeat to Keys and said what he would’ve ‘loved’ to happen.
“Do you know what I [would] love even more?” he said.
“If she would win.
“If she would win and have that attitude, her worth to the tennis community would be amazing.
“She is not afraid to say it like it is.”
Unfortunately for Connors and Collins, the 31-year-old lost in straight sets, as she failed to reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the third year running.
What have Novak Djokovic and other tennis stars said about Danielle Collins’ drama at the Australian Open?
Connors isn’t the only big tennis name to have commented on Collins’ controversial actions at this year’s Australian Open.
A whole host of big tennis names have come out in support of the American star over the last few days.
- Novak Djokovic – “I loved her response. I’m a big fan of Danielle Collins after that.”
- Coco Gauff – “I think she’s a nice person. Danielle is going to be Danielle.”
- Jessica Pegula – “I think it’s great for the sport to have that entertainment and see her personality.”
They won’t be the last to weigh in on the debate, as the sport continues to discuss her actions earlier in the tournament.
Has Danielle Collins been involved in controversy before?
The drama at the Australian Open is remarkably the second time Collins has been entangled in controversy this year.
Collins ‘rolled her eyes’ when shaking Iga Swiatek’s hand at the United Cup earlier this month, as Team USA took down Poland in the final.
It was the latest installment in a long-running feud between the pair, which began at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Their quarter-final match was full of drama, from start to finish, as several incidents occurred during and after their last eight encounter.
- Danielle Collins told Iga Swiatek to play to the servers pace
- A backhand from Danielle Collins hit Iga Swiatek, causing her to fall to the floor
- Danielle Collins retired from the match after cramping
- Danielle Collins criticized Iga Swiatek for being ‘insincere’ about her injury
Collins and Swiatek may not be the best of friends, and the American star added fuel to the fire, by changing her profile picture on Instagram to a photo of her face from her now iconic handshake with the Pole at the United Cup.
Their rivalry is one of the fiercest on the WTA Tour, but on the court, it has been much more one-sided, with Swiatek winning their last six encounters.
The last win for Collins came in the 2022 Australian Open semi-finals, where she beat Swiatek to advance to her first Grand Slam final.
Who knows what will happen next between Collins and Swiatek, but it’s certainly a storyline to watch out for throughout 2025.
Swiatek will return to action at the Australian Open to take on Eva Lys on Sunday, January 19.
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