- Novak Djokovic had to deal with incessant boos
- The Serbian understood why Danielle Collins reacted
- Collins has been labeled “the most hated player in tennis”
- Follow her antics in victory over Australian Destanee Aiava
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has declared he is a “big fan” of Australian Open villain Danielle Collins, as unruly crowd behavior threatens to escalate at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic, 37, had to endure incessant booing from a drunk fan during his straight sets victory over 26th seed Tomas Machac at Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
The ten-time champion was seen pleading with the referee to subdue the cheering fans, and his frustration was clear after progressing to the fourth round.
At one point, Djokovic's temper seemed to get the better of him.
Fed up, he told the follower to “shut the fuck up, you fucking idiot.”
And seconds after scoring a match-winning backhand, the seventh seed turned to the main troublemaker in the crowd and let him know who had emerged victorious.
British left-hander Jack Draper has also taken it away from the fans after eliminating local hopes Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Vukic.
And then there's Collins, who clearly loves his polarizing status.
Novak Djokovic has declared he is a “big fan” of Australian Open villain Danielle Collins as unruly crowd behavior threatens to escalate at Melbourne Park.
Danielle Collins has been labeled the “most hated player in sport” after slapping her behind and taunting the crowd (pictured) following her win against Australia's Destanee Aiava.
Djokovic said Collins was “funny and smart” on court with the Australian crowd against her
The ten-time Australian Open champion recently visited Melbourne's UrbnSurf surf park with his family.
She has since been labeled the “most hated player in the sport” after slapping her behind and taunting the crowd following her win against Australia's Destanee Aiava, and the 2022 Open finalist couldn't care less.
Collins upset many when he thanked the crowd for funding his 'five-star vacation to the Bahamas'.
While the Australian public may hate her, she has an ally in Djokovic.
'I loved your response. I loved everything he said on the court, off the court. “After that, I'm a big fan of Danielle Collins,” he said.
'I was before but, now, a big fan. I love it.
'I heard some comments from people saying she shouldn't have said that or that. I think she handled it very well.
'I don't think I would be so polite, and I know exactly the feeling.
“So I think she was funny, smart and a big fan of what she did. Big fan.'
Djokovic (right) will face Czech star Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round as he chases a record 25 Grand Slam singles titles.
It comes after Djokovic said “some people here and there” have lacked decorum in his eyes at Melbourne Park.
“I understand that you have a few drinks… then you get involved, but on the court it's frustrating and it comes at a bad time,” he said.
“When there is constant provocation, then of course there comes a point where you just respond.”
Djokovic will next face Czech star Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round as he chases a record 25 Grand Slam singles titles.