PARIS (AP) — In a moment that has sparked both controversy and laughter, British tennis player Harriet Dart found herself at the center of attention during her first-round match at the Rouen Open. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Dart faced off against French player Lois Boisson, and after losing the match 6-0, 6-3, she made a comment to the chair umpire that has since gone viral.
During a changeover, Dart was heard asking the umpire to inform Boisson to wear deodorant because she “smells really bad.” The remark was picked up by a courtside microphone and quickly spread across social media, drawing both criticism and amusement from fans and fellow players alike.
After the match, Dart took to Instagram to issue an apology for her comments, stating, "Hey everyone, I want to apologise for what I said on court today, it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret." She further expressed, "That’s not how I want to carry myself, and I take full responsibility. I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today. I’ll learn from this and move forward.”
Boisson, who is currently ranked 303rd in the world and entered the tournament as a wildcard, responded to the incident with humor. She posted an edited image on her Instagram account showing herself on the court with a can of Dove deodorant above her hand, tagging the brand and writing, "@dove apparently need a collab," accompanied by laughing emojis. The light-hearted response has resonated well with fans, showcasing her ability to handle the situation with grace.
This incident has not only drawn attention to the players involved but has also sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the pressures athletes face during competition. Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star known for his candid and sometimes controversial remarks, weighed in on the situation on social media platform X, stating, "Nah saying this when you are down and getting snipped is wild." His comment reflects the mixed reactions from the tennis community regarding Dart's on-court behavior.
As the tennis world gears up for the French Open, this incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny players endure, both on and off the court. Dart, currently ranked 110th in the WTA Tour rankings, will undoubtedly face questions about her conduct in future matches.
Boisson's victory marks a significant moment in her career as she looks to make a name for herself on the WTA Tour. Having struggled with injuries that saw her ranking plummet, her win against Dart is a step in the right direction. She is set to face either Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima or Italy’s Nuria Brancaccio in the next round, and fans will be eager to see how she performs moving forward.
While Dart's comments may have overshadowed the match itself, it is important to remember the context of competitive sports. Emotions run high, and sometimes players say things they later regret. Dart's apology reflects her understanding of the situation and her commitment to representing herself and the sport in a positive light.
The Rouen Open, held in France, is an important event on the clay-court calendar as players prepare for the upcoming Grand Slam. As the tournament progresses, more stories will likely emerge, but Dart and Boisson's incident will certainly be one that fans remember.
In the world of sports, where every moment is scrutinized, the ability to laugh at oneself is invaluable. Boisson's playful response to Dart's comment serves as a reminder that even in the heat of competition, camaraderie and humor can prevail. As the tennis season continues, both players will be looking to build on their experiences, learning and growing from each match.
As the dust settles from this peculiar incident, it’s clear that both Harriet Dart and Lois Boisson have captured the attention of the tennis community. Whether it’s through Dart’s candid apology or Boisson’s clever social media post, the world of tennis remains as vibrant and unpredictable as ever.
Fans will be watching closely as these players continue their journeys, hoping to see them both succeed on and off the court. The Rouen Open has certainly provided a memorable chapter in their careers, one that will likely be discussed long after the tournament concludes.
