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 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.

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

Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind Danielle Collins in her battle with Aussie crowds.

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 supports Danielle Collins for her assertive response to hecklers at the Australian Open, reflecting a trend where tennis players engage more with vocal spectators. Both athletes demonstrate how tennis is evolving,

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 defeats Australia's Destanee Aiava, responding to boos from the crowd with bold comments, while. Novak Djokovic defends her humor.

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 has been one of many players who have been heckled at the Australian Open - and the 10-time champion praised Danielle Collins' response to the rowdy crowd

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.