American tennis pro Danielle Collins thanks Australian Open fans for βpaying my billsβ after getting heckled
American tennis pro Danielle Collins isnβt making any new friends in Australia this week, and sheβs fine with that.Β
Collins, a finalist in the 2022Β Australian Open, advanced to the third round of this yearβs Grand Slam after defeating Australiaβs own Destanee Aiava on Tuesday, but her victory was met with a harsh reaction by the home crowd.Β
After dealing with the crowdβs boos for most of the match, Collins blew kisses to fans and egged them on as soon as she won match point.Β
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"It was a tough crowd and I just figured if Iβm going to be out here, I better take home that bigger paycheck," Collins said after the match in an on-court interview.Β "So yeah, thanks for the paycheck Australia."Β
"Itβs a pretty amazing feeling as an athlete because the people that dislike you or hate you pay your bills," she continued. "So thatβs a really rewarding feeling to be out here, and it just feels like a really great day."Β
Collins defeated Aiava 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 across a nearly 2 1/2 hour match.Β
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During her post game presser with the media, Collins doubled down on her reaction to the crowd, adding that the "energy" of fans motivates her β regardless of who they cheer for.Β
"One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that donβt like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. Itβs kind of a cool conceptβ¦ I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff, theyβre paying my bills. Every person thatβs bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, itβs all going toward the Danielle Collinsβ fund."Β
Collins quipped that she likes to take "five-star vacations" with her friends, and that her earnings from theΒ Australian Open will go toward their next trip.Β
"We like boats β we like big boats. We like yachts. Weβll post about it and let you guys know how it goes."
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