Collins opens up about stalkers

In another incident, a man who had followed Serena Williams across several countries was arrested when he tried to enter the Wimbledon court to get close to her.

“I don’t think it’s something that gets talked about a lot, but a lot of us have had safety issues on tour. I’ve been in a few situations over the years. It’s never fun, the feeling of having to look over your shoulder,” Collins told the Telegraph exclusively.

The American, who is playing her final Wimbledon this season, says she finds it difficult to be in large groups of fans and often relies on security to ensure her safety.

“Social media gives us so many opportunities to connect with fans, but at the same time it sometimes gives you access to people who are really sick and not in a great mental state,” Collins told the Telegraph. “It makes you a bit more cautious and sceptical. I still struggle a lot when I’m in large groups of people, I get scared when fans run up to me, throw things or touch me because of some scary situations I’ve been in.”