In a dramatic match at the Australian Open, American tennis player Danielle Collins faced mixed reactions from the crowd during her encounter against Serbian star Novak Djokovic, with many fans voicing their discontent. Collins, who was seeded 15th in the tournament, expressed disappointment over the overwhelming support for Djokovic over her, remarking, “It’s tough to play when you feel like the entire stadium is against you. I tried to focus on my game, but it was hard not to feel the negativity.” The match, held on January 16, 2025, showcased Djokovic’s prowess as he advanced to the quarterfinals, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. As the match progressed, the boos from the crowd intensified each time Collins earned a point, leading her to comment, “I understand that they love Djokovic; he’s a champion, but I’m here to compete too.” The crowd’s reaction came to a head in the third set when Collins attempted to rally back, only to be met with further audience disapproval. Djokovic, who also commented on the crowd’s behavior, stated, “I believe sportsmanship is key. Let’s support the players and respect their efforts regardless of the outcome.” With this victory, Djokovic continues his quest for another Grand Slam title, while Collins will need to regroup and address the mental strain that comes with playing under such conditions.
Danielle Collins Struggles with Australian Open Crowd Responses
