American tennis star Danielle Collins blasted the Australian Open crowd as being 'super drunk' as celebrated victory over home hopeful Destanee Aiava. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />The American was then seen slapping her backside before rounding on home fans for booing her in a post-match interview. <br /><br />‘During the match I was like, while I’m out here I might as well take that big fat paycheck,' Collins said while being booed in her on-court interview. <br /><br />‘We love a five-star vacation, so a big part of that will go towards that. <br /><br />‘So thank you guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight. Thank you guys, love you.’ <br /><br />The American, the tournament 10th seed, doubled down in another interview courtside. <br /><br />Collins, who made the Australian Open final back in 2022, has already scooped £147,000 ($180,000/AU$290,000) in prize money by reaching the third round. <br /><br />The 31-year-old, who reversed her decision to retire at the end of last season, doubled down on her comments in her press conference. <br /><br />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 paycheck, right?' <br /><br />'I was super happy to do that and one of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people that don't like you and that hate you, they acy your bills. <br /><br />'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. <br /><br />'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.' <br /><br />When asked about her holiday plans, Collins expressed a desire to have a luxury trip to the Bahamas. <br /><br />'Me and my girlfriends love a five-star holiday so I can guarantee that the next check is going to go towards a five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas. <br /><br />'We like boats. Big boats. We like yachts. Yeah, we'll post about it and let you guys know how it goes.' <br /><br />Collins's decision to hit back at the Australian crowd was slammed by some on social media. <br /><br />'Does Danielle Collins not realize she is playing an Australian in Australia?' one post read. <br /><br />'What does she expect the crowd to do? They're going to support the home player, get over it. <br /><br />'Zero class from Collins tonight'. <br /><br />Another added 'Danielle Collins. Through to the next round without a semblance of class.' <br /><br />Collins will now face an all-American match against Madison Keys in the third round of the tournament.
