In a fiery second-round clash at the 2025 Internationaux de Strasbourg, Danielle Collins powered through a three-set battle to defeat Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 clay-court event. However, the match, which showcased Collins’ relentless aggression and Raducanu’s resilience, was overshadowed by a heated confrontation during a changeover, where the American star called out a cameraman for what she deemed “wildly inappropriate” behavior. The incident, which saw Collins fiercely defending both her own and Raducanu’s personal space, sparked controversy among fans and highlighted her unapologetic persona, earning her both criticism and support as she continues her push toward the French Open, starting May 25.
The match on Court Patrice Dominguez was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, started strong, leveraging her recent clay-court form—highlighted by a first-round upset over Daria Kasatkina—to claim the first set 6-4 with just six unforced errors and back-to-back aces. Collins, however, found her rhythm in the second set, unleashing her signature “Danimal” intensity to storm to a 6-1 lead, capitalizing on Raducanu’s dip in form and a medical timeout for a back issue. “I knew playing Emma, I would have to play my aggressive game style,” Collins said post-match, crediting her eight aces and 78% first-serve point win rate for keeping her in control. The third set was a tighter affair, with Raducanu battling back to level at 3-3, but Collins seized the moment, breaking twice to seal the victory in two hours and 21 minutes. “I think it’s more rewarding when you win a tough match versus one that was easy,” she added, emphasizing the value of overcoming a formidable opponent like Raducanu.
The drama peaked during a third-set changeover, when Collins, preparing to refill her water bottle, noticed a cameraman positioned uncomfortably close to both players’ benches. Visibly frustrated, she confronted him directly, saying, “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 wildly inappropriate. It’s not that difficult to give space, I’m sorry.” She then apologized to Raducanu, who was standing nearby due to her back discomfort, highlighting Collins’ instinct to advocate for both their comfort. Raducanu later clarified, “I was standing up because I didn’t want to sit down in the third set because of my back. Then, she came to fill a bottle up and was saying how the cameraman was really close and it felt a bit inappropriate. That’s all she was saying.” The incident, caught on live broadcast, divided fans—some criticized Collins, with one calling her “the worst” for targeting a cameraman just doing his job, while others praised her for standing up for player boundaries.
Collins’ outspoken nature is nothing new. Known for her fiery demeanor, she’s clashed with crowds and opponents alike, from cupping her ear to jeering Australian Open fans to accusing Iga Swiatek of insincerity at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “To be good at anything, self-expression is really important,” Collins said in her on-court interview, unapologetic about her bold approach. “There aren’t many successful people that feel like they can’t be themselves. I’m a competitor at the end of the day. I’m not meek and mild.” Her Strasbourg performance, which included a first-round win over Sofia Kenin (6-1, 1-6, 6-2), builds on her stunning upset of Swiatek at the Italian Open, though she later lamented not getting enough credit for that victory. Now ranked No. 46, Collins is chasing her fifth career title and a second consecutive Strasbourg final appearance, having lost to Madison Keys in 2024.
As Collins advances to face Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals—a player she leads 2-0, including a 2023 ATX Open win—her Strasbourg run is a critical stepping stone for Roland Garros. Raducanu, meanwhile, faces a race against time to recover from her back issue, which required a 10-minute medical timeout at 5-0 in the second set. Despite the loss, her clay season, including three straight wins at the Italian Open, signals progress. The Strasbourg drama, blending high-stakes tennis with Collins’ unfiltered personality, has set the stage for an intriguing French Open, where both players aim to make their mark on the Paris clay.
# Danielle Collins’ Fiery Strasbourg Win Over Raducanu Marred by Cameraman Clash
## A Hard-Fought Victory
Danielle Collins battled past Emma Raducanu 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the 2025 Internationaux de Strasbourg, advancing to the quarterfinals. Raducanu took the first set 6-4 with precise play, but Collins roared back, leveraging eight aces to dominate the second set 6-1. “I knew playing Emma, I would have to play my aggressive game style,” Collins said, sealing the win in a tight third set after two hours and 21 minutes.
## Changeover Controversy
The match was overshadowed by a third-set changeover incident, where Collins confronted a cameraman for being too close. “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 wildly inappropriate,” she said, apologizing to Raducanu, who was standing due to a back issue. Raducanu later noted, “She was saying how the cameraman was really close and it felt a bit inappropriate.”
## Collins’ Unapologetic Spirit
Known for her fiery demeanor, Collins defended her outburst, saying, “To be good at anything, self-expression is really important. I’m not meek and mild.” Her boldness divided fans, with some criticizing her as “the worst” and others praising her advocacy. The incident echoed her history of fiery moments, like challenging Australian Open crowds and Iga Swiatek.
## Looking Ahead
Collins, the 2024 Strasbourg finalist, faces Anna Kalinskaya next, aiming for a deep run before Roland Garros. Raducanu, despite a back injury scare, showed clay-court progress. “I think it’s more rewarding when you win a tough match,” Collins said, signaling her hunger for a fifth title as she heads to Paris.
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