In a match that has sparked considerable debate, British tennis player Harriet Dart found herself in hot water after a controversial comment directed at her opponent, Lois Boisson, during the first round of the Rouen Open on April 15, 2025. Dart, currently ranked 110th in the world, was defeated in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3, by the French wild card entrant, who is ranked 303rd.
The incident occurred during a changeover in the second set, where Dart was heard asking the umpire, "Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She smells really bad." The comment, which was picked up by courtside microphones, quickly drew criticism on social media, with many fans expressing outrage over Dart's remarks.
After the match, Dart took to Instagram to issue a public apology for her comments. "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 wrote. "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." This statement reflects Dart's desire to take responsibility for her actions and maintain professionalism in the sport.
Boisson, who was making her first WTA Tour appearance of the season after a series of injuries, wrapped up the opening set in just 28 minutes, showcasing her strong performance against Dart. Despite the defeat, Dart did manage to put up a better fight in the second set, yet she failed to convert any of her six break points, allowing Boisson to advance comfortably.
The match marked a significant moment for Boisson, who, despite her lower ranking, demonstrated impressive skill and resilience on the court. Following the match, she humorously addressed the incident on her own Instagram story, posting an edited photo of herself holding a deodorant and suggesting a collaboration with the toiletries company Dove, indicating that she was not taking the comments to heart.
The controversy surrounding Dart's comments has led to discussions about sportsmanship and behavior on the court. Some fans have called for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to take action against Dart for her remarks, suggesting that her behavior was unsportsmanlike. Others have pointed out that athletes are often under immense pressure and may say things they later regret in the heat of competition.
Dart's performance at the Rouen Open adds to a challenging start to her clay-court season. This match was her second on clay this year, having previously lost to Varvara Gracheva in the first round of the Charleston Open last month. As she prepares for the upcoming French Open, Dart will need to focus on her game and recover from this setback.
In a broader context, the Rouen Open has been a platform for several players looking to establish themselves on the WTA Tour. The competition features a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, making it a crucial event for those seeking to improve their rankings and gain experience on clay courts.
In other news from the tournament, British number three Sonay Kartal, who was seeded eighth, also faced defeat, losing 6-3, 6-2 to France’s Varvara Gracheva. Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie, another British player, suffered a first-round exit at the Barcelona Open, falling to world number 27 Karen Khachanov in a closely contested match.
Norrie, who has seen a drop to 88th in the ATP rankings, managed to save a set point in a tight opening set but ultimately succumbed to Khachanov’s pressure, losing 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3. This loss adds to the challenges faced by British players as they navigate the competitive landscape of professional tennis.
As Dart reflects on her comments and the match, she will undoubtedly look to channel this experience into her future performances, aiming to bounce back stronger and more focused. With the French Open looming, it will be crucial for her to regain her footing and demonstrate her skills on one of the sport's biggest stages.
