Danielle Collins made headlines both on and off the court during her Australian Open campaign, leaving no doubt about her unapologetic approach to criticism. Despite boos from the Melbourne crowd throughout her third-round loss to Madison Keys, the world number 11 remains unfazed, stressing she is more focused on keeping fans happy and entertained than online opinions.
A dramatic journey at the Australian Open
Collins’ turbulent run in Melbourne included a fiery interaction with the crowd during his second-round match, leading to viral scenes that divided opinions on social media. Entering her match against Keys to a chorus of whistles, the 31-year-old endured more jeers during the match and even while leaving the court after her straight-set loss.
Reflecting on the situation, Collins said:
“Maybe some feelings were hurt or things were taken personally. They probably shouldn’t have been taken personally by the public. But I just feel like people take life way too seriously sometimes.”
“I don’t care about online reviews”
Collins dismissed criticism from online commenters, reinforcing his indifference to public perception:
“I don’t have a big ego. I just don’t care what is written about me. I don’t care what some guy living in his basement writes on the internet.”
The American also defended her approach, arguing that tennis needs to be more entertaining to attract younger audiences:
“In our sport, someone told me that the average age of tennis fans is around 65. I think we need to bring some entertainment to the game. We can try to make jokes, laugh.”
A sarcastic farewell to the crowd
During her second round match, Collins sarcastically thanked the crowd for “paying her bills” and making sure she could afford a “five-star vacation”, a comment which further polarized fans. While some applauded her for standing her ground, others felt she crossed the line.
Collins’ unyielding attitude
Collins’ departure from the Australian Open has not diminished his flamboyant character. Whether on or off the court, she continues to embrace her outspoken nature, refusing to let critics’ opinions tarnish her resolve.
As she focuses on the remainder of the 2025 season, Collins’ unapologetic style and commitment to her own principles ensure she remains a captivating figure in the tennis world.
