French tennis player Lois Boisson has responded humorously to an on-court incident involving Harriet Dart, where the British player suggested Boisson “smells really bad.” The comments, which were picked up by a courtside microphone, took place during a change of ends in their match at the Rouen Open. Dart, who was struggling in the match, asked the umpire to tell Boisson to wear deodorant due to her body odor. This remark quickly gained attention on social media and sparked criticism from fans and commentators.
Later, Dart took to Instagram to apologize for her comment. She explained that it was a “heat-of-the-moment” remark that she regretted. Dart acknowledged that such behavior was not reflective of how she wanted to carry herself and expressed respect for Boisson, noting her strong performance during their match. Dart also stated that she took full responsibility for the incident and would learn from it moving forward.
Boisson, who had just defeated Dart 6-0, 6-3 in their match, responded with her own social media post. The 21-year-old French player shared an edited image of herself on court, holding a can of Dove deodorant. The caption read: “@dove apparently need a collab,” accompanied by two laughing emojis. Boisson’s playful response lightened the mood, showing that she was not offended by Dart’s remark. The post quickly went viral, with fans showing support for her sense of humor.
Boisson, who is ranked No 303 in the world, entered the Rouen Open as a wildcard. She had a strong showing in the match against Dart and will face Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the last 16. Uchijima secured her spot in the next round after defeating Italy’s Nuria Brancaccio 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Dart’s apology on social media was widely acknowledged, but the incident continued to draw reactions from other players and fans. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who is no stranger to controversy himself, weighed in on the debate on X (formerly Twitter). He commented, “Saying this when you are down and getting snipped is wild.” His response added a layer of intrigue to the situation, as many noted the intensity of competition and emotions on the court.
While the incident itself may have been uncomfortable, it also sparked some interesting social media exchanges. The back-and-forth between Dart and Boisson highlighted the sometimes unpredictable nature of live sports and the way emotions can spill over into public spaces. Boisson’s lighthearted social media response also showcased her ability to maintain a sense of humor and defuse what could have been a more contentious situation.
Despite the controversy, Boisson’s performance at the Rouen Open has been impressive, and she is certainly making a name for herself in the tennis world. The 21-year-old Frenchwoman’s rising profile could potentially lead to more attention from sponsors, including Dove, which she jokingly referenced in her Instagram story. It remains to be seen if the brand will take Boisson up on her playful suggestion for a collaboration, but for now, she seems content to let the lighthearted exchange with Dart play out as part of the colorful drama that often surrounds professional tennis.
