by On a day with a new record attendance at Melbourne Park, world number 11 Danielle Collins was booed by boisterous and often drunken spectators in her victory over local hope Destanee Aiava, the latest intervention at the Australian Open in a well-known sport and mocked for his politeness.
The treatment appeared to have an effect on the American, who shouted “shut up” at a fan during her tense 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 victory, even blowing kisses into the stands and turning around and her hit on the backside at the post -match win taunts.
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Afterwards, she was part of a chorus of players calling for the volume to be turned up rather than lower. The support comes as Australian Open officials seek to attract a non-traditional audience to the sport, and players like the “Special Ks” doubles tandem of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis encourage engagement among a new generation of tennis fans.
“I love playing in front of an energetic crowd, no matter what side they are on,” Collins said after her win. “It just motivates me more, so it’s a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.”
Aiava, whose mother played for the Australian rugby league team, said it was fun playing in front of the supportive crowd and they created an atmosphere like a rugby league game. “It was very different, I think we could use a bit more of that in tennis,” she said.
The Special Ks withdrew from their first-round doubles match on Thursday due to a pectoral muscle injury to Kokkinakis when they trailed compatriots James Duckworth and Aleks Vukic by a set, but not before an hour of entertainment at John Cain Arena. The casual, party-like atmosphere was highlighted at one point when Kyrgios served before an “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chant even ended.
Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner managed to overcome a decidedly pro-Australian crowd in his four-set win over local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate and said the fans’ passion was a positive thing. “It’s great for tennis, isn’t it? I think the goal should be to make tennis as big as possible,” he said.
Despite the positive atmosphere, this tournament was marked by largely futile attempts by referees to control the noise, particularly between the first and second serves. During Wednesday’s clash between Jack Draper and Kokkinakis, referee Marijana Veljovic addressed the crowd at least half a dozen times, imploring them for calm and at one point urging fans to “respect the players.”
This year, crowds flocked to the precinct, with 95,881 people coming through the gates on Thursday, eclipsing last year’s single-day record. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said there would be five times as many activities on offer this year as in 2024.
Tournament organizers faced criticism from some players last year after adding a two-story venue that resembled an upscale pub overlooking Court Six. Nevertheless, the alcohol offering was expanded this year and new bars were built next to the two main practice areas in Melbourne Park.
Collins said she was primarily targeted because she played an Australian, but alcohol was also a factor. “I think there were a lot of people who were super drunk and had trouble controlling themselves and were really excited,” she said.
After his five-set win over home favorite Kokkinakis, Draper was asked by a British reporter if the crowd was the “worst” he had ever seen. “People obviously say Davis Cup in Argentina or something like that while whistling and laughing every now and then [points]“, he replied. “I think it’s almost the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced [kind of experience]. I think it was fun to be a part of, to be fair.”
Collins said that ultimately, whether they’re booing or cheering, it’s the fans who pay her bills. “Every person who bought a ticket to come here and harass me or do what they do goes to the ‘Danielle Collins Fund’.”
