Portugal Colonial - Djokovic 'big fan' of Collins' reaction to Melbourne hecklers

The 37-year-old Serbian great gave his full backing to the American, who sarcastically thanked the Melbourne crowd on Thursday for "paying my bills".

Collins, 31, blew kisses to the fiercely partisan crowd, cupped her ear and even pointed to her backside after a stormy 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-2 victory over Destanee Aiava, the last Australian woman in the draw.

A fired-up Djokovic swatted aside Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac and let out a roar, then pointed to his ear and someone in the Rod Laver Arena stands.

The 10-time Australian Open champion admitted in the immediate aftermath that he was "very hot-headed right now".

He said that the targets of his ire were "a few people here and there" who he felt overstepped the mark and made provocative comments.

Djokovic was more restrained than Collins but said he admired her response.

"Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it."

He added: "I heard some comments of people that she shouldn't have said that or that. I think she handled it really well.

"So I think she was funny, smart, and just big fan of what she did."

A.P.Maia--PC