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 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,

Danielle Collins has hit back at criticism of her goading of the Australian Open crowd, saying: “I don’t care what some guy living in his basement is writing on the internet.” Collins, the American world No.

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”.

Novak Djokovic has leapt to the defence of Australian Open villain Danielle Collins as crowd behaviour continues to cause issues at Melbourne Park. The 10-time champion battled a heckler, berated technology,

Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind Danielle Collins and her reaction to the hostile Australian Open crowd after having his own running battle with fans on Friday night. The 24-time major winner booked his spot in the fourth round at Melbourne Park after a comfortable 6-1 6-4 6-4 win over Tomas Machac on Rod Laver Arena that he described as his best display of the tournament so far.

We can have a drink, though. Maybe you had a few already. Him and I were going back and forth for quite awhile.”

Danielle Collins keeps perspective after falling to fellow American Madison Keys in the third round of the Australian Open

Day 8 is another bumper day of action at the Australian Open, with the fourth round kicking off. Keep up with all the latest from Melbourne Park.

Welcome to news.com.au’s live coverage of Day 8 of the Australian Open. On Saturday, Alex de Minaur survived a scare to beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in four sets and move through to the fourth round, where he’ll face American Alexander Michelsen.

A few months back, ESPN released its “Top 100 Athletes of the 2000s”, determined by over 70,000 votes from ESPN contributors.