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Collins dumped out of Australian Open to boos / Photo: © AFP
Collins dumped out of Australian Open to boos
Danielle Collins faced a smattering of boos as she walked in and out of the arena in losing 6-4, 6-4 to fellow American Madison Keys at the Australian Open on Saturday.
The 31-year-old Collins became the pantomime villain of Melbourne Park on Thursday when she sarcastically thanked hecklers for "paying my bills" after she defeated home hope Destanee Aiava in the second round.
She also blew kisses to the fiercely partisan crowd, cupped her ear and even pointed to her backside.
"Every person that's bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it's all going towards the Danielle Collins Fund," she said.
Collins smiled as she was given a mixed reception when she walked out at Rod Laver Arena, centre court, for the third-round meeting with Keys, the 19th seed.
Cheers went up when 10th-seeded Collins made her first double fault.
At the end of the first set the chair umpire reminded fans to respect both players.
Collins required a medical timeout at 4-3 down in the second set and had heavy strapping applied to her left leg.
A half-empty stadium was mostly cheering for both players by the end, although more boos accompanied Collins out of the stadium.
N.Piotrowski--GL
