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Tennis Match Odor Complaint Sparks Controversy at Rouen Open
A French tennis tournament has become the epicenter of an unusual controversy after British player Harriet Dart reportedly requested the chair umpire to ask her opponent, Lois Boisson of France, to apply deodorant during their first-round match at the Rouen Open. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, has ignited discussions about on-court etiquette and personal hygiene in professional sports. Dart’s comment, captured by a hot microphone, quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention and various reactions from the tennis community and beyond.
Dart’s Request for Opponent’s Deodorant Use Goes Viral
During a changeover in her match against Boisson, Dart, a British tennis player, was overheard asking the chair umpire to intervene regarding her opponent’s body odor. “Can you tell her to wear deodorant?” Dart inquired, in a moment picked up by a broadcast microphone and subsequently shared widely across social media platforms. “She’s smelling really bad,” Dart added, expressing her discomfort during the competition.
Boisson Responds to the On-Court Remark with Humor
Despite the potentially distracting comment, Boisson, age 21, apparently remained unaware of Dart’s remark during the match itself, according to reports. The French player secured a decisive victory over Dart, with a score of 6-0, 6-3, advancing to the next stage of the Rouen Open.
Following the match, Boisson addressed the situation with a lighthearted approach on social media. In an Instagram Story post on Tuesday, she playfully tagged deodorant brand Dove, suggesting a potential endorsement opportunity. “@dove apparently need a collab,” Boisson wrote, accompanied by emojis, alongside a photo featuring a tennis ball and a digitally added Dove deodorant stick. This witty response garnered positive reactions and diffused some of the tension surrounding the incident.
Dart Issues Apology for “Heat-of-the-Moment” Comment
Harriet Dart, the 28-year-old British player ranked No. 110 globally, subsequently issued a public apology for her on-court behavior. “Hey everyone, I want to apologise for what I said on the court today, it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret,” Dart stated in an Instagram Story post on Tuesday. She continued, “That’s now how I want to carry myself, and I take full responsibility. I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today.” Dart concluded by affirming her intent to learn from the experience and move forward.
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Boisson Advances, Awaits Next Opponent at Rouen Open
As Boisson awaits potential contact from Dove, her focus remains on the Rouen Open tournament. She is preparing for her second-round match, scheduled for Thursday, anticipating the winner of the Wednesday match between Moyuka Uchijima and Nuria Brancaccio.
Boisson’s victory against Dart marked her return to competitive play in 2025 after a period of absence due to injury. Currently ranked No. 303 in the world, her performance at the Rouen Open is closely watched.
Rouen Open: A French Open Tune-up Event
The 2025 Rouen Open final is set for April 20 and serves as a key clay-court preparatory tournament leading up to the prestigious French Open next month. In the previous year’s championship, American tennis player Sloane Stephens emerged victorious against Magda Linette of Poland with a score of 6-1, 2-6, 6-2.