Novak Djokovic has backed Danielle Collins for her cheeky response to hostile fans at the Australian Open and said the sport could afford to take itself a little less seriously.

Novak Djokovic and Danielle Collins have both been involved in some controversial moments during the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic called Danielle Collins' feisty reaction to Australian Open hecklers "funny" and "smart" after himself getting riled up during his third-round win on Friday.

Read what Novak Djokovic had to say about Danielle Collins' controversial action and remarks after her Australian Open victory.

Novak Djokovic said he “loved” Danielle Collins’ reaction to a hostile home crowd at the Australian Open, adding that he was now a “big fan” of the American. After beating home favourite Destanee Aiava on a raucous Kia Arena,

Novak Djokovic has had his say after Danielle Collins caused controversy with her antics at the Australian Open. The American star riled up the fans after beating Destanee Aiava on Thursday, gesturing to kiss her bottom and reminding them that she was taking a “big fat pay cheque”.

Novak Djokovic declared himself a big fan of Danielle Collins’ approach to rowdy Australian Open fans after confronting his own heckler at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic approved Danielle Collins' response to Australian Open hecklers as the Serb funnily stated that he is now "a big fan" of hers. On Thursday, the American tennis star edged out Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava 7-6 (4) 4-6 6-2.

The 2025 Australian Open runs from Sunday, Jan. 12 to Sunday, Jan. 26. However, due to the time difference in The Land Down Under, match start times will be a bit wonky for U.S. viewers, meaning the first major tennis tournament of the year will start airing coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 11 in U.S. timezones.

John McEnroe appeared to suggest that Novak Djokovic intentionally took a medical timeout against Carlos Alcaraz so he could try to throw the Spaniard off his game. After the No. 3 seed broke the Serb in the ninth game of the first set of their Australian Open quarterfinal match,

The Australian Open and drama? The post Danielle Collins Finds Solace in Tennis Veteran as She Stands Firm Amidst the American’s Unwanted Backlash From Crowd appeared first on EssentiallySports.