Danielle Collins made enemies with the Australian Open crowd after riling them up.

Novak Djokovic said he was a ‘big fan’ of Danielle Collins and her clap-backs (Image: Getty)

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”.

It sparked a big response Down Under, with one Australian TV presenter branding her a “brat”. But Djokovic has now revealed that he is a “big fan” of Collins and her behaviour.

Collins wasn’t happy with the crowd’s reception when she faced Aussie qualifier Aiava on Thursday night. Some cheered on her mistakes while rooting for their own.

After clinching a 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2 victory, she touched her ear and said: “How about that?” The taunting continued as she blew sarcastic kisses and spoke about her big payday.

The world No. 11 later doubled down in her press conference, adding: “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.”

Her behaviour sparked controversy, and Collins has become the talk of the town in Melbourne – for better or worse. While some aren’t happy with her antics, Djokovic has confessed that he’s all for it.

Danielle Collins taunted the Australian Open crowd and said they were ‘paying her bills’ (Image: Getty)

“I loved her response. I loved it, everything she said on the court, off the court,” Djokovic laughed, speaking after his third-round win on Friday. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it.”

Weighing in on the debate around her behaviour, the 24-time Grand Slam champion even admitted he likely would have been even worse in her position.

Djokovic added: I heard some comments of people that she shouldn’t have said that or that.

“I think she handled it really well. I don’t think I would be that polite, and I know exactly the feeling. So I think she was funny, smart, and just big fan of what she did. Big fan.”

Djokovic has had his fair share of run-ins with tennis crowds, including at the Australian Open. He confronted one fan during his clash with Tomas Machac on Friday and had to ask the umpire to step in when spectators shouted out during rallies.

The world No. 7 poked fun at the interruption after the match and invited the fan for a drink during his on-court interview. But he explained how frustrating it was to be disturbed at crucial moments.

“Yeah, few people here and there. Yeah. I understand you have few drinks more, and then you get into it,” he said.

“But, you know, on the court it’s frustrating, and it comes in a bad moment. If it’s repetitive, it happens for an hour, somebody tells you in the corner things that you don’t want to hear and constant provoking, then of course it comes to the point where you just respond.

“So I tried to tolerate, but then at one point I had to respond, and that’s all. That’s all to say about it.”