How refreshing was it to see an athlete willingly and joyfully take on the role as villain this past Australian summer of tennis? American tennis player Danielle Collins has a career as the pantomime villain secured for years to come after her post match interview, where she openly baited the raucous pro Destanee Aiava crowd with dastardly comments and innuendo about haters paying for her luxurious jaunts around the globe. Some have labelled her comments insensitive in light of the recent Los Angeles fires, but Danielle did make a valid point. She pocketed $290,000 for her efforts. However, I feel that there was a deeper underlining issue and it had nothing to do with Danielle’s gesture to kiss her arse! It’s that Australian crowds love to dish it out but are we as gracious when the athletes respond with the same amount of gusto? The New York fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium made a young Naomi Osaka openly weep and apologise for defeating Serena Williams back in 2018. In the scheme of things, the behaviour of the Australian Open crowd in comparison was extremely tame.

Danielle was booed for the remainder of her time at the Australian Open. People felt justified to boo her because of her crass behaviour after her win. I was sad that she didn’t go deeper into the tournament and find more ways to infuriate those in attendance. Women’s tennis needs it villains just as much as it needs it heroines. Will Danielle be the next Annie Wilkes or Cersei Lannister of villainous behaviour on the WTA circuit? I wish! It will make the tennis a lot more interesting!

It’s so great to see that tennis keeps producing players whose villainy continues to polarise and entertain. Danielle Collins will probably be remembered for her antics and getting destroyed by Ash Barty in straight sets in the 2022 Australian Open Final, rather than her talent but she has won over $9 million prize money. This villain is definitely having the last laugh. If anything, this is brilliant self-promotion to embrace this persona which such enthusiasm. May it continue for a while longer yet!

So, who do you are the greatest villains in tennis history? Is it John McEnroe for his constant abuse of umpires? Serena Williams for her entitled outbursts and questionable tactics when on the verge of defeat? Or any tennis player, male or female, playing the hometown hero? Food for thought isn’t it?