Danielle Collins recently voiced her frustration over an incident during her match against Emma Raducanu at the Strasbourg Open, where she confronted a camera operator for his “wildly inappropriate” proximity to her and Raducanu. This moment garnered significant media attention, which Collins deemed “really pathetic.” The world No. 7 expressed her disappointment that her request for personal space during her work was turned into a topic of controversy.
In her remarks, Collins emphasized the need for adequate personal space while athletes perform, stating, “I think oftentimes it seems like my response is treated like the offense itself.” She indicated that throughout her career, she has repeatedly had to advocate for her space, a request she finds should be universally respected. Raducanu publicly supported Collins, highlighting the importance of consideration in the competitive environment.
Collins elaborated on the situation, explaining that the camera operator intruded into a small space—standing too close to Raducanu to capture better shots of Collins, which disrupted her focus. The American athlete underlined that her priority should be on her performance rather than managing external distractions.
This incident speaks to broader issues of personal space and respect within sports, especially in tennis, where players are often under intense scrutiny and pressure. Collins’s ability to articulate her needs highlights her determination to create a more respectful environment for herself and her opponents.
As Collins continues her French Open campaign, having already secured a first-round victory against Jodie Burrage, her experiences in Strasbourg may prompt further conversations about the treatment of female athletes and the challenges they face.