The clay courts of the Open de Rouen, a WTA 250 event, became an unexpected stage for controversy when British No. 4 Harriet Dart, ranked world No. 110, made headlines for all the wrong reasons during her first-round match against French wildcard Lois Boisson. Trailing 6-0 in the opening set, Dart, visibly frustrated, was caught on courtside microphones making an unprofessional remark to the umpire about her opponent’s hygiene. “Can you tell her to wear deodorant? Because she smells really bad,” she said during a second-set changeover. The comment, made as Boisson stood out of earshot, ignited a firestorm on social media, drew a sharp reaction from Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, and prompted a swift apology from Dart after her 6-0, 6-3 defeat. The incident, unfolding just weeks before the French Open, casts a shadow over Dart’s clay season and raises questions about sportsmanship in the heat of competition.
Dart’s match against Boisson, ranked No. 303 and making her first WTA appearance of 2025 after battling injuries, was a one-sided affair. The 21-year-old Frenchwoman dominated, breaking Dart’s serve four times and conceding no break points in a 56-minute rout. Dart, who struggled to find rhythm on the indoor clay, later acknowledged her opponent’s prowess. “I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today,” she said in an Instagram apology. The upset marked a rough start to Dart’s clay campaign, following a first-round loss to Varvara Gracheva at the Charleston Open. Her Rouen performance, coupled with the controversial remark, amplified scrutiny on the 28-year-old, who has reached the Wimbledon third round twice (2019, 2024) and hit a career-high ranking of No. 70 in 2024.
The tennis world reacted swiftly, with Kyrgios, no stranger to on-court controversies, weighing in on X. “Nah saying this when you are down and getting snipped is wild,” he wrote, highlighting the timing of Dart’s comment amid her lopsided defeat. Kyrgios, a 2022 Wimbledon finalist known for his outspoken nature and past fines for unsportsmanlike conduct, seemed both amused and critical of Dart’s lapse in judgment. His remark resonated with fans, some of whom called Dart’s behavior “pathetic” and demanded WTA sanctions. “Dart should be suspended,” one X user posted, while another labeled the incident “completely unacceptable.” The backlash underscored the fine line players walk in high-pressure matches, where emotions can spill over into regrettable actions.
Dart, recognizing the gravity of her mistake, issued a public apology on Instagram shortly after the match. “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.” Her contrition aimed to quell the controversy, emphasizing her respect for Boisson and her intent to learn from the incident. “I’ll learn from this and move forward,” she added, signaling a desire to refocus on her tennis ahead of the French Open, where she hopes to improve on her career-best second-round showing in 2022.
Boisson, meanwhile, handled the situation with grace and humor. The French player posted an edited Instagram photo of herself mid-serve, holding a Dove deodorant can, with the caption, “@dove apparently need a collab,” accompanied by laughing emojis. Her lighthearted response won praise for its wit, defusing tension and showcasing her ability to rise above the slight. Boisson’s victory, a significant milestone in her injury-plagued comeback, highlighted her potential, having previously peaked at No. 104 in 2023. Her performance in Rouen, coupled with her playful social media jab, earned her newfound attention as she advances to the round of 16.
The incident raises broader questions about player conduct and the pressures of professional tennis. Dart, coached by Nigel Sears and a Billie Jean King Cup veteran, has faced criticism before, notably for her cutthroat rivalry with compatriot Katie Boulter. Her Rouen remark, however, marks a new low, prompting debate about whether the WTA will impose disciplinary action. While the organization has not commented, the episode recalls past controversies, such as Kyrgios’ own fines for verbal outbursts. For Dart, the path forward involves rebuilding her reputation and regaining form on clay, a surface where she’s struggled, with only one tour-level clay quarterfinal (2022 Transylvania Open).
As the tennis world shifts focus to the clay season’s marquee events—Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros—Dart’s Rouen misstep serves as a cautionary tale. Her apology and Boisson’s humorous retort may close the chapter, but the incident underscores the scrutiny players face in the social media age. For now, Dart’s focus must turn to her next match, likely at a lower-tier event, as she seeks to salvage her season and prove her character on and off the court.