Danielle Collins caused quite a stir at this year’s Australian Open after her controversial interactions with the crowd.
The 2025 Australian Open was one for the history books as the stars of women’s tennis thrilled fans during two weeks of action at Melbourne Park.
However, as is often the case, some of the biggest stories weren’t necessarily written about what happened between the tramlines.
Certain members of the WTA Tour found themselves involved in drama with the crowd, with one player in particular making headlines.
Collins ‘taunted’ the crowd during her win over home favorite Destanee Aiava in the second round of the Australian Open.
The American star wound up the fans on Show Court Arena, as they continued to cheer on her Australian opponent.
As boos rang around the arena after her win, Collins let the crowd know what she thought of them.
“I love a good five-star vacation so part of that paycheck is going to go towards that, so thank you guys thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight,” she said.
“It was a tough crowd and I figured if I am going to be out here I better take home that bigger paycheck, so thanks for the paycheck Australia.”
Having been exposed to some of the drama that tennis has to offer, world number 171 Aiava, has now given her thoughts on how the spectacle of tennis can be improved.
Aiava won her first Grand Slam main draw match in Australia this year and has now taken to X to propose a new idea for the sport.
“Can somebody on the player council put forward a request for walk-on songs that we choose ourselves for WTA [events]/Slams like they have in boxing,” she said.
“It would add so much spice especially if you and your opponent have beef and you’re throwing shade from the get-go with your choice of walk-on song.”
She then suggested a song that she thinks would help fire players up to victory.
“Like imagine walking on to this song, about to play someone you hate,” she said.
“Automatic win.”
The proposal would signal a move away from the more traditional side of the sport, something that fans are known to hold dear.
However, Aiava’s fans seemed to be on board with the idea, as they agreed with the 24-year-old.
“Yes, at least at Grand Slams, this would be so cool,” said one fan.
“Fantastic idea,” added another.
“I’d love this so much,” said one tennis fan.
Not long after Aiava took to X to share her idea, WTA Player Council member Ellen Perez responded, giving her thoughts on the proposal.
“I mean I can propose it if you like,” said Perez.
“Only issue is we don’t have very long walk-outs.
“Like Center Court of a Slam might be the longest, but otherwise everywhere else it’s one player after another, ten seconds max.”
Aiava then specified which tournaments she would want the walk-on songs to be used in.
“Only the big courts/stadiums and it starts when you’re in the hallway waiting to walk on,” she said.
Perez, ranked 13th in women’s doubles isn’t necessarily wrong, as most tennis walk-ons go very quickly.
Collins’ walk-on to a chorus of boos in her third-round Australian Open match took just 15 seconds.
Fans then suggested to Perez and Aiava that players could ‘take their time’ on the way to the court, to allow for the songs to play.
Only time will tell if we will see tennis stars using walk-on songs in the future, but it’s certainly an interesting suggestion as the sport continues to innovate.
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