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 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 called Danielle Collins' feisty reaction to Australian Open hecklers "funny" and "smart" after himself getting riled up during his third-round win on Friday.

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 declared himself a big fan of Danielle Collins’ approach to rowdy Australian Open fans after confronting his own heckler at Melbourne Park.

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”.

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.