Grand Slam finalist Danielle Collins reveals vile cameraman KISSED her & opens up on being called ‘b****' by sexist fans
The American, 31, has won four career titles and reached the final of the Australian Open Grand Slam.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
Danielle Collins has opened up on some of her vile experiences with 'weird men' around tennis
Credit: EPA
4
The American revealed how one sick cameraman 'made out' with the side of her face
Credit: Getty
4
Collins also revealed how she treats insulting language directed at her as 'a compliment'
Credit: Getty
But in a candid interview on the podcast, Reign with Josh Smith, Collins has spoken out about some of her previous experiences, including being labelled a "b****" by fans and being subjected to inappropriate behaviour from "weird men".
The former world No7 has been outspoken on the subject of abuse women have received in the sport.
She revealed how whenever people have seen her getting upset on the court, fans never truly know the full picture of what has happened.
Collins says that whenever she voices an opinion on a situation, it is because she has reached "boiling point" after sitting on it for a "very long time".
The Florida native explains: "And you know, a lot of the people that are watching sports and watching TV they only get to see a small clip of what takes place.
"They see me getting upset with the cameraman. They don't see everything that led up to why I got upset...
"It definitely seems like when you're a female, if I use my voice and I push back and I ask a question or I set a boundary or even if I don't set a boundary, and I just simply make a request for personal space it's like, how dare I, like I don't have the right to respond or I'm crazy."
Collins highlights one example of when a cameraman "made out" with the side of her face after asking her for a hug.
She explained: "I had a situation a bunch of years ago when I first got on tour and I was dealing with a cameraman that was very persistent.
"And I remember I came off the court, I lost a long three set match, I'm kind of like cramping, I'm tired and all the things are happening.
Moment Emma Raducanu clocks 'fixated' man in crowd & breaks down behind umpire's chair before he's 'escorted out'
"And this guy goes, 'oh, Danielle, you know, I'm so sorry. Can I give you a hug?' And I, I look at my coach, I'm like, 'uh, sure.'
"So I'm like, standing like this and he goes in to hug me and then all of a sudden he goes in to kiss me and I'm like, 'oh no, oh my gosh.'
"And he literally starts making out with a side of my face."
Collins adds that people often don't see behind the scenes interactions with "weird men" who show up at events before stalking them and following them to their hotels.
British No1 Emma Raducanu was the victim of a terrifying stalking case which saw her burst into tears on court at the Dubai Tennis Championship in February.
The 22-tear-old hid behind the umpire's chair as the "fixated man" was removed by security after she spotted him just two points into her game.
Raducanu's former coach Roman Kelecic, claimed the man previously stalked her in Singapore, the UAE and Qatar and had even given her a letter and asked for a photo in a coffee shop the day before.
He was handed a restraining order from Dubai police while his name was also circulated among tennis authorities before it was revealed in June that the sick man had applied for tickets to this year's Wimbledon.
Collins spoke about stalking issues for tennis stars last year, saying it was something many people outside of the sport weren't even aware of, with the tennis pro telling The Telegraph how she doesn't really go places without security detail.
But no matter how much these issues need highlighting, Collins will still be the victim of insults.
However, Collins actually takes great pride in being insulted, believing that being called a "b****" is often directed at women she "loves and respects".
Collins says: "When somebody says that, 'Danielle Collins is a b****.' I kind of just take it as a compliment because so many of the women that I love and respect have been labelled as a 'b****,' and they're a badass woman.
"There are women that get s*** done. There are women that go
after their dreams. There are women that are assertive, powerful, hardworking and they are people that I strive to be.
"So I feel like being a b**** can actually be kind of like a good thing
because it also means you're not afraid to back down when someone's being a jerk.
"It means that you're not afraid to be yourself, and you're okay with not being liked and you're gonna be confident regardless of what other people think about you."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Legendary horse trainer Edward O'Grady dies aged 75 just days after saddling his final runner
'ONE OF THE BEST' 'ONE OF THE BEST' Legendary horse trainer Edward O'Grady dies aged 75 just days after saddling his final runner Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY horse trainer Edward O'Grady has died aged 75 - just days after saddling his final ever runner. The King of Cheltenham before Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott came on the scene, O'Grady is remembered as one of Ireland's greatest ever handlers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Famed horse trainer Edward O'Grady, who made Cheltenham Festival his second home with a whole load of winners, has sadly died aged 75 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 3 O'Grady, right, stands with a much younger Willie Mullins, who he helped pave the way for Cheltenham Festival domination Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 3 Iconic James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan got one of his big acting breaks playing Edward O'Grady And he is also partly responsible for the rise of James Bond hero Pierce Brosnan - with one of the iconic actor's first big roles being to play O'Grady in the film 'Murphy's Stroke'. O'Grady himself hit the big time when he teamed up with iconic owner JP McManus to land a huge punt at the Festival in 1982. O'Grady trained the first of more than 80 McManus Cheltenham winners in the shape of Mister Donavan. A fearsome punter, McManus said he won more than £250,000 backing his horse over and over for what is now the Turners Novices' Hurdle. In today's money the victory would be worth more than £1.1million. O'Grady masterminded 18 Cheltenham Festival winners from his Tipperary base in all, his victories coming in the days when British trainers still dominated. His most famous horses included the likes of Golden Cygnet, who many said was the greatest hurdler of all time despite his only season over obstacles ending in tragedy. Dubbed 'the horse of the century', he won the 1978 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham before suffering a fatal fall in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr. Gay Future, Native Upmanship, Ned Kelly, Back In Front and Tranquil Sea were other big O'Grady horses. O'Grady, who also enjoyed success as a Flat trainer having been forced to switch when farming troubles hit Ireand, was saddling horses right up until his death. His final ever runner was Sovereign Banter who ran at Cork last Friday night - mere weeks after his last winner, Our Soldier, earlier this month. Trainer Fergal O'Brien was among the first to pay tribute to a trailblazer in the sport, writing on X: "One of the very best. Sad news." This is the second death to hit racing in as many weeks, after a Grand National legend and 'amazing woman' passed away at home. Despite his success on the track, tragedy was never too far away from O'Grady's personal life. His first wife Judy passed away in 2010, seven years before second wife Maria was killed in a fall. O'Grady later remarried and leaves behind wife Kay and children Jonathan, Amber, Lucy, Mimi and Rosie Mae. More to follow.
Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd ‘looking to HIJACK Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko transfer as they hold talks with £70m RB Leipzig striker'
Newcastle are anticipating the potential departure of their star striker, but their plans could be scuppered Devilish Man Utd 'looking to HIJACK Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko transfer as they hold talks with £70m RB Leipzig striker' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly swooping in on Newcastle's attempts to sign Benjamin Sesko. The £70million-rated RB Leipzig star has been in talks with the Magpies, with the parties looking to reach a verbal agreement. 4 Sesko was heavily linked with Arsenal before the Gunners signed Viktor Gyokeres - now Newcastle want him Credit: GETTY 4 But Amorim and co could swoop in Credit: Getty 4 Newcastle are readying potential replacements for Alexander Isak Credit: Getty 4 Sesko has been a stand out player in Germany Credit: Getty Now, according to Sky Sports Germany, Man United are also in discussions with Sesko's representatives. The report states the decision now lies between the Slovenian and his agents. Bundesliga outfit Leipzig want £70million for the 22-year-old who has already made 41 appearances for Slovenia. He signed from RB Salzburg in 2023 and has gone on to play 87 games for them, including in the Champions League. read more man utd HE'S THE GUEYE Man Utd hijack Brentford bid for wonderkid days after snaring £71m Mbeumo Man United have already invested in new attacking players, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a combined £133.5million. And former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand doesn't think Ruben Amorim and co should go for Sesko. Newcastle are looking for potential replacements for striker Alexander Isak, who is understood to have told the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to leave this summer. He is currently absent from the club's pre-season tour, with the Magpies highlighting a "minor thigh injury". BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Asked about Isak's links to Premier League champions Liverpool, his teammate Bruno Guimaraes said: "He is a top striker, his [record over the] last three seasons speaks by itself, he's a top player. "But as far as I know he just stayed there because of his injury, his treatment with the club." Last week, SunSport exclusively reported Isak had been offered a £32million-a-year deal from Saudi Arabia. However, his heart is set on Liverpool. Earlier this month, Newcastle knocked back the Reds' initial approach over a potential British-record £120million move. SunSport understands he could now submit a transfer request to push for a switch to the Premier League champions.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
George Russell facing anxious wait to discover if he has Mercedes seat next year
Mercedes have made little secret of their desire to sign the four-time world champion. As it stands, Russell – who despite a series of impressive performances this year – is without a deal for 2026. Lights, camera, action 🎬 Ready to go racing in Hungary! 🇭🇺 — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 28, 2025 Mercedes, however, would now be forced to buy Verstappen out of his Red Bull contract which runs until 2028 – and that could accelerate their decision to announce Russell will be retained. But the PA news agency has been told by a source there are no plans for an official update on the British driver's future prior to Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. A three-week break follows before the next round in the Netherlands on August 31. Despite the continued speculation surrounding suggestions Verstappen could trade Red Bull for Mercedes, those close to the Russell camp have indicated for a number of weeks the 27-year-old is extremely confident of striking a contract extension. And it would appear highly unlikely that a new deal with Mercedes will not be finalised. Russell finished fifth on Sunday but Mercedes endured a difficult weekend in the Ardennes. Russell's rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli's dismal run of form continued after he crossed the line in 16th. The 18-year-old has scored points in just one of his last seven appearances. He was close to tears after qualifying on Saturday, admitting he was struggling with his confidence. Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton went to see George Russell after Sunday's race (Yves Herman/AP) That prompted a visit from Lewis Hamilton to the Mercedes motorhome ahead of Sunday's race to offer the driver who replaced him some words of encouragement. Hamilton started in the pit lane and drove from 18th to seventh but Antonelli – who also begun the rain-hit race from the pits – laboured and finished 52 seconds behind team-mate Russell. Russell has scored 157 points to Antonelli's 63 after 13 of the 24 rounds. Mercedes are third in the constuctors' standings, 296 points adrift of McLaren.
