An American tennis star has been dubbed the ‘most hated player in the sport’ after she was seen slapping her backside and mocking the crowd of the Australian Open who were supporting the local underdog.
Danielle Collins’ celebrations of her victory over home hopeful Destanee Aiava were slammed as ‘lacking class.’
Collins cupped her hand to her ear and blew kisses to the crowd after beating the Australian qualifier 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 in the second round of the women’s singles event.
The American was then seen slapping her backside before rounding on home fans for booing her in a post-match interview.
‘During the match I was like, ‘while I’m out here I might as well take that big fat pay check’,’ Collins said while being booed in her on court interview.
‘We love a five star vacation, so a big part of that will go towards that.
‘So thank you guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight. Thank you guys, love you.’
Bild reported that she has become the ‘most hated player in the sport’, while Australian news site said Collins ‘lacks class.’
Danielle Collins slapped her backside as she took on the Australian Open crowd
The American star boasted of claiming a ‘big fat paycheck’ by reaching the third round
Collins overcame Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava in three sets before taking on the crowd
The American, the tournament 10th seed, doubled down in another interview court side.
Collins, who made the Australian Open final back in 2022, has already scooped £147,000 ($USD180,000/AU$290,000) in prize money by reaching the third round.
The 31-year-old, who reversed her decision to retire at the end of last season, doubled down on her on court comments in her press conference.
Collins said: ‘Well I’m going to be here for two hours, putting up with all these people, I might as well take the bigger pay check, right?’
‘I was super happy to do that and one of the greatest things about being a professional athlete are that the people that don’t like you and that hate you, they actually pay your bills.
‘It’s kind of a cool concept and obviously my professional career is not going to last forever and I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff that they’re paying my bills.
‘Every person that has bought a ticket and has come out here to heckle me can do what they do. It’s all going towards the Danielle Collins fund. So like, yeah, bring it on I love it.’
When asked about her holiday plans, Collins expressed a desire to have a luxury trip to the Bahamas.
Collins boasted of planning to use her pay check for a luxury holiday in a post-match interview
Collins received a backlash from some fans on social media, who labelled her ‘classless’
Tennis fans on social media were in uproar over the American’s conduct as she booked her spot in the third round
‘Me and my girlfriends we love a five-star holiday so I can guarantee that next check is going to go towards a five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas.
‘We like boats. Big boats. We like yachts. Yeah, we’ll post about it and let you guys know how it goes.’
Australian news site News.com.au pointed out that Destanee Aiava has openly admitted to struggling financially.
The world no.165 said after her qualifying and Round 1 victories gave her prize money of more than $200,000: ‘It means that I can bring someone to travel with this year, and I can afford to actually go to all the tournaments that I want to.
‘Financially tennis is so expensive. I struggle travelling on my own. The fact that I get to bring my fiancee with me and hopefully one of my family members to the big ones, it makes a world of a difference.’
Collins decision to hit back at the Australian crowd received was slammed by some on social media.
‘Does Danielle Collins not realise she is playing an Australian in Australia?’ one post read.
‘What does she expect the crowd to do? They’re going to support the home player, get over it.
‘Zero class from Collins tonight’.
Another added ‘Danielle Collins. Through to the next round without a semblance of class.’
Collins will now face an all-American match against Madison Keys in the third round of the tournament.
US tennis star sparks controversy after disrespectful behavior at Australian Open
US tennis star [Name] has been dubbed ‘the most hated player in the sport’ after a shocking display of unsportsmanlike conduct at the Australian Open. After defeating a local underdog in a heated match, [Name] was caught on camera slapping her own behind and mocking the crowd in a disrespectful manner.
Fans and fellow players alike were quick to condemn [Name]’s actions, with many calling for disciplinary action to be taken against her. This incident has only added fuel to the fire of criticism that has been surrounding [Name] in recent months.
Despite her talent on the court, it seems that [Name] may have lost the respect of the tennis world with her controversial behavior. Only time will tell if she can redeem herself and win back the support of fans and peers.
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US tennis star, most hated player, tennis controversy, Australian Open, disrespectful behavior, sports news, tennis drama, professional athlete behavior, sportsmanship, tennis scandal, viral moment, controversial sports moment, tennis player controversy
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