Harriet Dart’s Deodorant Comment Sparks Backlash in Tennis Drama
Well, it’s not every day that tennis headlines have nothing to do with forehands or footwork, but here we are. The talk of the court this week? British tennis player Harriet Dart finding herself in hot water—not for her gameplay, but for a very awkward and very public comment during her first-round match at the Open de Rouen in France.
So here’s what happened: Dart, ranked No. 110 in the world, was up against French player Lois Boisson, who’s making a comeback after a tough ACL injury. At one point during the match, right after a changeover in the second set, Dart walked up to the chair umpire and, in a moment caught clearly on broadcast, asked: “Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She smells really bad.” Yikes.
Now, let’s pause here. Emotions run high in sports. Adrenaline, pressure, and heat-of-the-moment stress can lead to some questionable choices. But this one? It crossed a line for many. The tennis world—and social media especially—did not hold back. Some criticized Dart for being disrespectful, others simply couldn’t believe she said it out loud, let alone during a WTA-level match.
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And to make matters worse for Dart, she didn’t just lose the match—she was swept 6-0, 6-3. Meanwhile, Boisson, ranked 303rd in the world and still fresh off injury recovery, not only claimed her first win in a top-tier WTA match but also had the perfect clap back. She later posted a cheeky photo on Instagram of herself holding a stick of deodorant, captioned with “@Dove apparently need a collab,” along with a couple of laughing emojis. That’s a win both on and off the court.
In the aftermath, Dart took to Instagram to issue an apology. She admitted it was a comment made in the heat of the moment and expressed regret, saying it’s not how she wants to carry herself. She also offered respect to Boisson for how she performed and vowed to learn from the incident.
Despite the apology, the internet didn’t exactly go easy on her. Tennis podcasters, fans, and journalists have all chimed in. Some questioned her sportsmanship, others pointed out the irony—making a personal remark while getting thoroughly outplayed by someone making a comeback.
This moment, while uncomfortable, is a reminder of the fine line athletes walk in high-pressure environments. Passion and frustration are part of the game, but so are respect and professionalism. Dart’s comment might have been a fleeting one, but its impact is lasting—especially when the opponent gets the win and the last word.
One thing’s for sure: this won’t be forgotten any time soon. As Boisson rises in the rankings, and Dart reflects on this match, their names will now be tied to one of the more bizarre and headline-grabbing moments of the 2025 tennis season.
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