Controversial American tennis star Danielle Collins sarcastically thanked Australian Open hecklers for “paying my bills” after she defeated home hope Destanee Aiava in a tense, three-set clash on Thursday.

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The 31-year-old 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 Aiava, the last Australian woman in the draw.

Collins was booed for her antics which included shouts of “How about that!” which accompanied her celebrations after converting match point.

Melbourne-born Aiava, ranked a lowly 195 in the world, crunched 25 winners and even sensed a famous victory when Collins required a medical time-out in the second set for treatment to a foot injury.

In the decider, Collins saved a break point at 3-2 down before reeling off the last four games of the tie.

Interviewed on court after the match, Collins continued to antagonise the parochial crowd.

“You know I was thinking during the match, I was like ‘hmm, if I’m out here I may as well just take that big, fat pay cheque,” she said.

“Coco (Vandeweghe) and I just love a five-star vacation, so part of that cheque is going to go towards that, so thank you guys.”

Vandeweghe, a former tennis player herself, was in Collins’ team box for the match.

“So thank you guys, thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight.”

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Speaking further in her official post-match press conference, Collins doubled down.

“One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept,” she said.

“Me and my group of girlfriends, we love a five-star vacation, so I can guarantee you that cheque is gonna go towards our next five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas.

“We like boats, we like big boats, we like yachts. So yeah, we’ll post about it and let you guys know how it goes.

“All I have to say is, like, good luck pissing somebody off or getting under the skin of someone that literally doesn’t give a… can I say it? I mean seriously, good luck trying to get under the skin of somebody that really doesn’t care.

“I loved it. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on. I’m somebody, too, it kind of just motivates me even more. So it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.

“So I think it really helped me in the end. Just helped me concentrate more and challenged me at times. (It) pushed me kind of through the finish line.”

The Florida-born player talked tennis star then took a swipe at drunks fans.

“I think they really wanted her to win badly. I think there were a lot of people that were super drunk and had a hard time controlling themselves … (they) were really excited,” Collins said.

“All I have to say, is good luck pissing somebody off or getting under the skin of somebody that doesn’t (care).

Collins will play fellow American Madison Keys in the third round on Saturday.