'He starts making out with the side of my face' - Danielle Collins opens up on the sexism she's faced as a female athlete

Being a prominent figure in the public eye often means more accessibility to fans, and tennis star Danielle Collins was quick to point out instances where male fans have tried to breach her boundaries simply because she is a female athlete.

The American is considered a veteran on the WTA Tour, having turned pro in 2016. Collins has had a successful career, finishing runner-up at the 2022 Australian Open before rising to a career-high ranking of World No.7.

Female athletes face a lot of misogyny and sexism, says Collins

However, her success on the court has led to a few instances that she'd like to forget. In an appearance on the Reign Podcast, Collins spoke on the misogyny she and other WTA athletes face in the sport. Furthermore, she highlighted examples of inappropriate behavior she has dealt with from men.

Known for being outspoken, Collins has been labeled as being a "drama queen" on occasion. However, the American believes the reaction to her on-court behavior would be different if she were a man.

"Do you feel like there is a sexism there with being vocal as a female athlete"? asked Reigns host Hosh Smith.

"If you ever see me being vocal and giving my views, just know that I've sat with that for a very long time," explained Collins. "Oftentimes when we respond to someone's poor behavior, it's our reaction that's treated like the offence itself. It's almost like we don't have a right to respond.
"I had a situation when I first got on tour and I was dealing with a cameraman that was very persistent. I lost a long three-set match, come off the court and I'm very tired. All of a sudden this guy goes 'Oh Danielle, I'm very sorry, can I give you a hug?'

"I look at my coach and I'm like sure. He goes in to hug me and all of a sudden, he goes in to kiss me and I'm like 'Oh, no!' He literally starts making out with the side of my face. So yeah, people don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the weird men that show up at our events and follow us to our hotels. So yeah, sometimes you get to a boiling point."

After contemplating retirement in 2024, Collins opted to resume playing on the WTA Tour. The 31-year old reached the semifinals in Strasbourg, and lost to eventual champion Iga Swiatek in the third round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.