Sun Jan 19 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Djokovic Lauds Collins’ Spirited Response to Australian Open Hecklers
**MELBOURNE, Australia** – Novak Djokovic has voiced his admiration for Danielle Collins’ fiery response to hecklers during her Australian Open match, calling her reaction “funny and smart.” The 10-time Australian Open champion’s comments came after he himself experienced a heated moment during his own third-round victory on Friday.
Collins, after a contentious win over Destanee Aiava, playfully thanked the crowd for “paying my bills,” blew kisses, cupped her ear, and even pointed to her backside in response to the jeers. Djokovic, while more restrained in his own reaction to hecklers during his match against Tomas Machac, admitted to being “very hot-headed” and acknowledged targeting those who he felt made “provocative comments.”
However, he expressed strong support for Collins’ approach. “Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it,” Djokovic stated. He added that he believed Collins “handled it really well” and praised her response as both “funny and smart.” His endorsement comes despite some criticism Collins received for her actions.
First Piper 