Danielle Collins hit back at Australian Open jeers as she thanked those vociferous supporters for "paying my bills".
American Collins left home supporters disappointed after dispatching Australia's Destanee Aiava with a 7-6 4-6 6-2 victory in the second round.
The 10th seed played the villain in Melbourne after sinking the world number 195, blowing kisses to spectators and cupping her ears as her victory was jeered by Aiava's fellow Australians.
Collins claimed to love the hostile environment, though, poking fun at spectators for funding her successful payout.
"One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people that don't like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills," Collins said.
"My professional career is not going to last forever so I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff [negative crowd reactions] they're paying my bills.
"Every person that has bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it's all going towards the Danielle Collins fund."
Little bit of prime "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan about Danielle Collins post match!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/nyusDgt3PP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
The self-proclaimed Collins fund will be used to celebrate with friends on a "five-star trip", as compatriot Madison Keys awaits in the third round.
"Me and my group of girlfriends, we love a five-star vacation so I can guarantee that cheque is going to go towards our next five-star trip – hopefully to the Bahamas," said Collins.
"We like boats, we like big boats, we like yachts, so we'll post about it and let you guys know how it goes."