Incident at the 2025 Citi Open
During the 2025 Citi Open held in Washington, D.C., tennis player Danielle Collins faced a distressing situation that interrupted her match against Magda Linette. Known for her fierce competitiveness and authenticity, the 2022 Australian Open finalist found herself the target of verbal harassment from a spectator, leading to his eventual removal from the event.
Match Disruption
The match began positively for Collins as she secured an early lead by winning the first three games. However, the atmosphere shifted during a changeover, when the fan, who had already been vocal throughout the match, began yelling comments that made Collins visibly uneasy. As she attempted to focus and prepare for the next segment of play, the spectator’s remarks escalated in an inappropriate manner.
Umpire Jennifer Zhang quickly recognized the situation and intervened, instructing the man to cease his comments. Despite his claims that he was merely supporting Collins, Zhang insisted that the disruption was affecting her ability to concentrate.
In a shocking turn, the man made a racially charged remark directed at Zhang—who is of Chinese descent—saying, “I knew you was a racist when I saw you on TV.” This comment compounded Collins’s discomfort, which was apparent as she resumed play following the break.
Security Intervention
In response to the escalating harassment, Umpire Zhang demonstrated her experience and authority by calling for security to remove the individual from the premises. Although it took some time for them to act—likely due to the expectation of a peaceful evening match—they ultimately escorted the man out without further incident.
Aftermath of the Match
After regaining her composure, Collins continued to compete but ultimately lost the match with a score of 5-7, 4-6, suffering from an injury that required medical attention in the second set.
Broader Concerns in Women’s Tennis
This incident comes closely on the heels of another unsettling experience for Collins, where a cameraman attempted to kiss her following a previous defeat, underscoring an ongoing concern among female athletes regarding inappropriate treatment both on and off the court. Similarly, tennis star Emma Raducanu reported feeling unsafe after being stalked at the Dubai Championships earlier this year, highlighting a troubling trend in the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, fans and players alike hope that attention will shift back to positive developments, such as the potential return of Serena Williams to the WTA Tour, ensuring that discussions remain focused on athletic achievement rather than harrowing experiences.
