Australian Open villain Danielle Collins booed by crowd in loss - ESPN

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tennis' newest villain, Danielle Collins, was booed and jeered by the Australian Open crowd during her third-round 6-4, 6-4 loss to fellow American Madison Keys on Saturday night.

Collins made headlines in Australia after her second-round match — a tough, three-set win over local hope Destanee Aiava. The American, who was being heckled during the match, returned serve at the hostile Australian crowd after her win by blowing them kisses, asking them to make more noise, and even smacking her backside in the direction of the crowd.

She further inflamed tensions when she took the microphone during her postmatch interview.

«You know, I was thinking during the match, I was like, 'Hmm, if I'm out here, I might as well take that big fat paycheck,'» Collins said.

"[My friend Coco Vandeweghe] and I love, we love a good five-star vacation, so part of that check is going to go toward that, so thank you guys, thank you for coming out and supporting us tonight."

When Collins and Keys walked onto Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night, a smattering of boos rang out around the stadium, with Collins gesturing for the crowd to bring it on.

Later, when the tournament emcee introduced the players, Collins heard more boos, matched by some enthusiastic cheers. The heckling went up a notch when the match started, with the No. 10 seed's first serve — a fault — being met by jeers.

Danielle Collins receives a serenade of boos as she enters Rod Laver Arena.