Novak Djokovic has backed Danielle Collins’ cheeky response to hostile fans at the Australian Open and says the sport can take itself less seriously.

After beating local Destanee Aiava in the second round on Thursday, Collins blew a kiss to the heckling crowd and thanked them for paying for her next five-star vacation. Djokovic, who was constantly heckled by a fan during his third-round victory on Friday, said he had great sympathy for Collins and thought she handled it well.

“I loved her reaction,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion told reporters with a smile. “I loved it. Everything she said on and off the court. Been a big fan of Danielle Collins since. I was, but still am, a big fan of mine. I think she’s funny, smart and very Love what she does.”

On whether tennis is too conservative a sport, Djokovic said the sport is rightly proud of its history and tradition. “At the same time, I think we’re a little bit behind other sports in terms of change and trying to keep up with what’s going on in society, and we all know that the new generation’s attention spans aren’t as long,” he said.

“So, for example, over the past few years, I think we’ve just had this new rule where people can come in even if it’s not a conversion. So I guess that’s one of the ways to really try to be more open and not have strict rules. “

Wimbledon aside, Djokovic said he “won’t be changing much” and the Serbian said he would like to see entertainment between matches. “I think we should try to connect more with young people and get them on board,” he added.

“For example, why don’t we think about doing something between games, like the Super Bowl or, I don’t know, the NBA, right?

“When there’s a timeout, they’re going to have dancers come in, this and that. I don’t have a problem with that. … I feel like it’s going to bring more of a fun element and entertainment to tennis, which we know in some ways Is quite traditional, perhaps conservative.

“So I’m willing to do that, like incremental change. Dancers first.”

Djokovic and Alcaraz to compete in Australian Open

Djokovic, He won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, Overcame some breathing difficulties during the match in the third round to knock out world No. 26 Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on the night.

The 37-year-old player was in excellent condition, serving harder and crushing his Czech opponent. “For me this was the best match of the tournament. My concentration and tennis level didn’t drop too much,” he said.

“I thought I prepared well and had a good game. I’m very happy with my game. “

After Collins reacts to Melbourne crowd Djokovic also pointed to his ear before someone stood in Rod Laver Arena at the end of his set. “I’m in a hot head right now,” said the cantankerous Serbian.

Djokovic will likely face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, although the French Open and Wimbledon champion lost his first set 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 ( 3), defeated Nuno Borges 6-2.

“I’m very happy with my level,” said the 21-year-old. “It could be better. I made a lot of mistakes that I shouldn’t have made… but overall I’m happy and there’s a lot to improve for the next game.”

Alcaraz will now face No. 15 British player Jack Draper, who defeated 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(8 ) defeated Aleksandar Vukic.

Other men’s winners in the third round included world No. 2 Alexander Zverev and quantity 12 Tommy Paul.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who has had a much more difficult road than many of his contemporaries, came back from two sets down for the second straight match to win. And saved two match points to defeat 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 3-6, 4-6. ,7-6(7),6-4,6-2.

Fokina is the first player since 2005 to win back-to-back matches with Australia trailing 2-0. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs over the years,” Davidovich Fokina said. “I decided I was going to fight for every point this year.”