Collins Responds to Hecklers at Australian Open: ‘You Pay My Bills’

Danielle Collins hit back at hecklers following her 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-2 win over Australia’s Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open. After the tense, three-set victory, the American sarcastically thanked the crowd, saying, "The people that don’t like you actually pay your bills. It’s a cool concept."

Despite being booed for her on-court antics, including taunting gestures and celebratory shouts, Collins thrived under the intense atmosphere. She saved a break point at 3-2 in the third set before closing out the match with a four-game run.

Aiava, ranked 195th, showed resilience with 25 winners and even had Collins struggling with a foot injury in the second set. However, Collins’ mental toughness carried her through.

Next, the world number 11 will face fellow American Madison Keys for a spot in the last 16. Keys also triumphed in three sets, defeating Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse.