In a surprising turn of events at the Rouen Open, British tennis player Harriet Dart found herself in hot water after making an inappropriate comment about her opponent, Lois Boisson, during their first-round match. The incident occurred on April 15, 2025, when Dart, currently ranked 110th in the world, was caught on a courtside microphone asking the chair umpire to tell Boisson to 'wear deodorant' because she 'smells really bad.'
The match itself was a tough outing for Dart, who was swept aside by Boisson, ranked 303rd, with a score of 6-0, 6-3. The first set was particularly brutal, lasting just 28 minutes, as Dart struggled to find her rhythm on the clay courts. She failed to convert any of her six break points and had her serve broken four times, leading to a comprehensive victory for Boisson.
As the match progressed, Dart's comment quickly became the talk of the tournament. During a changeover in the second set, she was heard making the remark, which prompted immediate backlash on social media. Fans and commentators alike criticized Dart for her lack of sportsmanship, with some calling for disciplinary action. One user remarked, "That must be worth a ban or something. Utter silliness," while another pointed out, "It’s basic decency not to say that in public, especially with cameras. I’m so disappointed with Harriet. You lost the match, but my God, don’t lose your dignity too."
In the wake of the incident, Dart took to Instagram to issue a public apology. She described her remarks as a "heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret," emphasizing that it was not reflective of her character. Dart stated, "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." The apology was an attempt to mitigate the damage caused by her comments and to demonstrate her awareness of their impact.
Boisson, on the other hand, handled the situation with grace and humor. After the match, she posted an edited image on her Instagram account featuring herself mid-serve with a stick of deodorant superimposed above her hand. She tagged the brand Dove and joked that they "apparently need a collab." This light-hearted response endeared her to many fans, highlighting her resilience and ability to rise above the controversy.
The Rouen Open marked a significant moment for Boisson, as it was her first WTA Tour match of the season after recovering from injuries. Her victory over Dart was not only a personal triumph but also a surprise upset in the tournament, as many had pegged her as the underdog. The match showcased her determination and skill, proving that she has the potential to make waves on the tour.
As the dust settles from this incident, questions remain about how the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will respond. While no official statement has been made yet, the WTA is known for upholding standards of conduct among players, and it is likely they are evaluating the situation closely. Incidents like these raise important discussions about athlete behavior and the need for respect and sportsmanship on and off the court.
In conclusion, the incident between Harriet Dart and Lois Boisson serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face during competition and the importance of maintaining professionalism. Dart’s apology and Boisson’s humorous retort highlight the contrasting ways athletes can handle adversity, and as the tennis world moves forward, both players will undoubtedly learn valuable lessons from this experience.
