Harriet Dart apologizes for 'wear deodorant' comment about Lois Boisson at Rouen Open

British tennis player Harriet Dart has publicly apologized for a controversial remark made during her first-round defeat to French opponent Lois Boisson at the Rouen Open . Dart, who was beaten 6-0, 6-3, asked the umpire if Boisson could be told to wear deodorant due to the “really bad” smell, a comment caught by a courtside microphone. The remark quickly gained attention on social media, sparking backlash.

In response, Dart took to Instagram to express regret, 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. 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 gave a light-hearted response to the incident. She posted a photo on Instagram of her on court with a Dove deodorant edited into the image above her hand, tagging the company and writing that they "apparently need a collab."




The match, which marked Boisson’s first WTA Tour appearance of the season after struggling with injury and a drop to No. 303 in the rankings, saw Dart struggling from the start. Boisson wrapped up the first set in just 28 minutes. Dart, ranked No. 110, fought harder in the second set but failed to convert any of her six break points, allowing Boisson to secure the win.

In the same tournament, British No. 3 Sonay Kartal was also eliminated, losing 6-3, 6-2 to France’s Varvara Gracheva. Additionally, Cameron Norrie suffered a first-round exit at the Barcelona Open after a three-set defeat to Karen Khachanov, who won 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3.

While the tennis world focuses on Dart's apology, Boisson’s win was a reminder of her resilience as she continues her comeback from injury.