NOVAK DJOKOVIC has declared himself Danielle Collins’ “biggest fan” – after she taunted a hostile Australian Open crowd. Collins was booed by punters in Melbourne after

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 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 thrown his support behind Danielle Collins and her reaction to the hostile Australian Open crowd after having his own running battle with fans on Friday night. The 24-time major winner booked his spot in the fourth round at Melbourne Park after a comfortable 6-1 6-4 6-4 win over Tomas Machac on Rod Laver Arena that he described as his best display of the tournament so far.

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”.

Tennis purists felt unsettled as Danielle Collins went right at a rowdy Australian crowd after taking out a hometown favourite in incredible scenes. But the exchange is actually healthy for the sport.

Novak Djokovic declared himself a big fan of Danielle Collins ’ approach to rowdy Australian Open fans after confronting his own heckler at Melbourne Park. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Novak Djokovic, who is on course to face Carlos Alcaraz, backs Danielle Collins’s kisses to hostile spectators.

The final Aussie hope at Melbourne Park, Alex de Minaur, also takes the court in his toughest test to date against 31st-seed Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, two of the most in-form players in Melbourne this week, French veteran Gael Monfils and fourth seed Taylor Fritz, headline Margaret Court Arena action in the day.

Danielle Collins stood up for herself when confronted with a booing crowd at the Australian Open on Thursday which was angry that she was beating a local player, Destanee Aiava.

We can have a drink, though. Maybe you had a few already. Him and I were going back and forth for quite awhile.”