Harriet Dart's statement caused outrage. © Social Media

“She smells bad”: Tennis pro demands deodorant for opponent

Tennis player Harriet Dart has caused a stir and criticism with an unusual complaint about her opponent.

16 April 2025

From: dpa/sn

At the clay court tournament in Rouen, France, the 28-year-old from Great Britain accused her opponent Lois Boisson (21) from France of smelling bad.

Dart's complaint during a change of ends was picked up by a microphone and spread on social media. "Can you tell her to use deodorant? ... Because she smells really bad," Dart complained as she walked past the umpire's chair during her decisive 0-6, 3-6 defeat on Tuesday.

Lois Boisson took it with humor.

After the match, she regretted her statement. "It was a spontaneous comment, which I truly regret," the 110th-ranked player wrote on Instagram after receiving heavy criticism on social media. "I don't want to behave like that, and I take full responsibility," Dart emphasized, promising, "I will learn from this." She added that she has great respect for Boisson, who was competing on the WTA Tour for the first time.

Boisson remains calm

Boisson, who is working her way back up from 303rd place in the world rankings after an injury, responded with humor. She posted a photo on Instagram of herself on the court with a well-known brand of deodorant superimposed into the picture, tagging the company, and writing, "Looks like they need a collaboration."