Having told the Australian Open crowd to “shut up” during her win over local hope Destanee Aiava, then trolling them in her victory interview, American tennis villain Danielle Collins doubled down in her post-match press conference.
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“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,” said the 10th seed, having made at least $290,000 by reaching round three — where she will play compatriot and 19th seed Madison Keys.
“Me and my group of girlfriends, we love a five-star vacation, so I can guarantee you that cheque is gonna go towards our next five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas.
“We like boats, we like big boats, we like yachts. So yeah, we’ll post about it and let you guys know how it goes.
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Collins faces boos after TAUNTING crowd | 00:32
“All I have to say is, like, good luck pissing somebody off or getting under the skin of someone that literally doesn’t give a… can I say it? I mean seriously, good luck trying to get under the skin of somebody that really doesn’t care.
“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. I’m somebody, too, 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. (It) pushed me kind of through the finish line.”
Collins knocks out last Aussie woman | 00:59
Collins has made a career out of being a feisty competitor; though many Australians responding to her comments via social media have pointed out that she was the victim of the ultimate Aussie triumph at Melbourne Park, when Ash Barty beat her 6-3 7-6(2) in the 2022 women’s singles final.
Barty became the first Aussie woman in 44 years to win her home grand slam singles title.
Collins has her work cut out to make it through the third round against Keys, with only a 1-2 record against her fellow American.
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