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.”

American tennis player Danielle Collins embraced the Australian Open boos after her latest win. But there's more to her heel turn than meets the eye.

Novak Djokovic approved Danielle Collins' response to Australian Open hecklers as the Serb funnily stated that he is now "a big fan" of hers. On Thursday, the American tennis star edged out Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava 7-6 (4) 4-6 6-2.

Tennis purists felt unsettled as Danielle Collins went right at a rowdy Australian crowd after taking out a hometown favourite in incredible scenes. But the exchange is actually healthy for the sport.

Why is everyone so angry at what long has been known as the Happy Slam? Things are a little out of control at the Australian Open this year, and that’s got only a little to do with the results on the courts.

Former Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins won a fiery second-round clash against Australia's Destanee Aiava on January 16. The battle that ran for two hours and 25 minutes was held on Melbourne's Kia Arena.

Danielle Collins gave the hostile crowd a roasting after beating ... Second-seed Iga Swiatek waltzed into the third round, along with fellow Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina on a bright and sunny Thursday at Melbourne Park.

MELBOURNE – The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, ended on Sunday, when defending champion Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev for the men’s title. AFP looks back on five memorable storylines from the past two weeks in Melbourne:

Madison Keys won her first ever grand slam title on Saturday, stunning two-time defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 7-5 in a thrilling Australian Open women’s final.

USA's Danielle Collins caused a stir on day five of the Australian Open with an astonishing post-match interview after sealing her place in the third round.

And then there is Danielle Collins fully embracing her status ... 6-2 on Thursday to advance to the third round of the year's first Grand Slam tournament. RELATED: Wii Sports characters steal ...