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Today’s schedule
Danielle Collins laughs off on-court drama
By Scott Spits and Roy Ward
Danielle Collins was unapologetic about her run-in with fans during her Australian Open campaign, and the brash American has joined the chorus of voices arguing that tennis must find ways to entertain new and younger audiences.
Playing the role of pantomime villain thanks to her antics with the crowd when she eliminated Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava, Collins was again the target of heckling from fans when she ventured to centre court on Saturday night for her third-round match against countrywoman and friend Madison Keys.
Danielle Collins receives medical treatment during the match.Credit: Getty Images
A number of fans, all male and from all corners of the stadium, heckled Collins for much of the match while Keys, who is a crowd favourite, received cheers and support.
“The biggest thing is that nobody got hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or things were taken personally, and they probably shouldn’t have been taken personally by the crowd,” said Collins after she was beaten by Keys in straight sets.
“I feel like people take life way too seriously sometimes. I think in our sport, it’s like somebody was telling me that the average age of people watching and the fans of tennis is, like, 65.
Read the full recap of the match here.
Today’s schedule
Welcome to day eight
By Gemma Grant
Hello and welcome to the eighth day of this year’s Australian Open. I’m Gemma Grant, and will be leading you through the beginning of today’s matches.
Follow us throughout the day to keep up to date with all of your tennis news as we draw closer to the pointy end of the competition.
