Danielle Collins Defends Outburst Over Cameraman’s Intrusion at Tennis Tournament

American tennis star Danielle Collins stood her ground this week, defending her call for personal space after a heated moment with a cameraman at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. The incident, which unfolded during a match against Emma Raducanu, saw Collins firmly ask the cameraman to back off while she refilled her water bottle, later describing his behavior as intrusive.

After her first-round win over Jodie Anna Burrage at the French Open, Collins didn’t mince words. "I was just asking for a sliver of personal space at my workplace," she said. "It’s baffling that this is even a debate." She highlighted a recurring issue in her career, where her requests for space are often ignored, and her frustration is unfairly painted as the problem. "As a woman, asking for boundaries seems to ruffle feathers," she noted, pointing out the double standard with a mix of exasperation and wit.

The viral clip of the incident, Collins explained, missed the full context—like the cameraman hovering uncomfortably close to Raducanu to get a shot of her. "I’m out here performing, channeling physical and emotional energy, and the last thing I need is a camera in my face," she said, emphasizing the mental focus her job demands. Collins questioned where the line is drawn for media personnel, adding, "I ask politely most times, but that never makes the headlines."

The Florida native, who’s yet to break past the French Open quarterfinals, now gears up to face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the second round. Her fiery resolve, both on and off the court, continues to spark conversation.