American tennis star Danielle Collins addressed her outburst toward a cameraman during a tournament earlier this month, clarifying that her reaction was a necessary request for personal space. The incident occurred at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, during a match against Emma Raducanu. During a changeover, Collins told the cameraman to keep their distance as she refilled her water bottle. She described the camer, “wildly inappropriate,” emphasizing the broader issue of personal boundaries in professional environments.
Collins addressed the situation after a first-round victory at the French Open, where she spoke at length about the incident. She argued that the need for personal space should not be a topic of discussion, particularly for female athletes who often face challenges in maintaining boundaries. Collins pointed out that the response to her request is frequently perceived as the offense itself, rather than the act of asking for space. She explained that fans might not see the full context of the situation, including the cameraman standing very close to her during the match.
Collins also expressed frustration over the way her demands for personal space are handled in the media and in sports environments. She noted that during her career, she has had to repeatedly ask for space, with her responses often being misinterpreted. “The last thing I should be focusing on is someone right in my face,” she said. Collins highlighted the need for a balance between the responsibilities of those working behind the camera and the personal space required for athletes to perform at their best.
In addition to the incident at the Strasbourg tournament, Collins also mentioned her upcoming match at the French Open, where she is set to face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the second round. While she has never advanced past the quarterfinals at the French Open, Collins continues to focus on her performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and concentration in her matches.