Danielle Collins’ recent confrontation with a cameraman at the 2025 Internationaux de Strasbourg has resulted in fierce backlash against the American. Some fans have, however, refused to side with the popular verdict and instead backed Collins for her unapologetic request.
Collins landed in controversy during her match against Emma Raducanu when she asked a cameraman to maintain their distance while the players decompressed during changeovers.
Danielle Collins’ Confrontation With Strasbourg Cameraman: What Happened and How Fans Reacted
After her win against compatriot Sofia Kenin, last year’s runner-up Danielle Collins faced Emma Raducanu in the Round of 16 of the WTA 500 in Strasbourg on Wednesday, May 21. The American was off to a slow start, losing the opening set to her British opponent 4-6. She made a convincing recovery in the second set, breaking an injured Raducanu twice (6-1) to force a decider.
After an elaborate medical time-out to address her back issues, Raducanu came out swinging in the decider. Despite the threat, Collins maintained her aggression and clinched the first break, which she failed to consolidate. However, the former World No. 7 broke Raducanu right back to secure a 4-3 lead.
At this point, the players halted for a changeover, where Collins was bothered by a cameraman’s proximity to her.
“I have to get some water, so if you could…” she was heard as saying to the cameraman.
“No, no, no, I need to get water; we’re on a changeover. You don’t need to be that close to me, and you don’t need to be on top of Emma. It’s, like, wildly inappropriate,” she said, laughing sarcastically. “It’s not that difficult to give space.”
After her request, Collins was also seen apologizing to Raducanu, who stood nearby. The majority of the tennis community didn’t appreciate the American’s confrontation, claiming that the cameramen were just fulfilling their duties. Some fans, however, argued to the contrary.
“It’s not nice at all to get so close to the players,” one fan said.
Another fan recalled noticing Raducanu’s shared discomfort.
“I missed this part but I did see Emma also feeling a bit uncomfortable with the camera being there so it was mutual.”
A few fans concurred with Collins’ assessment, claiming that the placement of cameras violates players’ privacy. Some fans requested that the tournaments resort to zooming in instead of positioning the cameramen courtside.
“I agree with her. I was SHOCKED how close the cameras were to the players during changeovers at Indian Wells. Inches away, hovering. Cameras can zoom,” one fan said.
I agree with her. I was SHOCKED how close the cameras were to the players during changeovers at Indian Wells. Inches away, hovering. Camera's can zoom.
— pixie hippie (@RoshPunian)
“I agree with her. I have never understood why they are even on the court. Use your lenses,” another person chimed in.
Here are a few more reactions from fans who rallied behind Danielle Collins:
Collins has never been the one to entertain a third-person presence during matches. She had a similar confrontation during the 2024 Italian Open, and the cameraman promptly obliged.
“Hey dude, you’re gonna have to back up a little bit,” she said at the time.
Danielle Collins Reaches Strasbourg Quarterfinals
Following her victories against Sofia Kenin (6-1, 1-6, 6-2) and Emma Raducanu (4-6, 6-1, 6-3), Danielle Collins has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Internationaux de Strasbourg for the second year in a row.
The American is chasing her fifth career title at the event, having fallen short against Madison Keys last year. She faces Anna Kalinskaya for a place in the final four on Thursday, May 22. Kalinskaya, meanwhile, is looking for a hat trick against Americans after beating Caroline Dolehide and top seed Jessica Pegula in the first two rounds.