In what may go down as one of the more unexpected—and undeniably pungent—moments in professional tennis, British star Harriet Dart served up not just shots but shade during her match against French player Lois Boisson at the Open de Rouen on April 15. Midway through the clash, Dart stunned onlookers with a request to the chair umpire that wasn’t about a line call or a time violation. “Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She’s smelling really bad,” she muttered—loud enough for courtside mics to pick up, and for the internet to do the rest.
From Backhand to Backlash
Social media didn't hold back, launching a volley of criticism at the British No. 4 for what many called a “nasty” and “arrogant” comment. Critics pointed out the irony: Dart’s game, not her opponent’s scent, was what really stank that day. She lost the match 6-0, 6-3—a scoreline as brutal as her insult—and quickly realized she may have served herself into a PR fault.
Apology, Ace’d
Not long after the backlash, Dart took to Instagram with a formal apology, calling the incident a “heat-of-the-moment comment” that she “truly regrets.” She assured fans that it wasn’t how she wished to conduct herself and added that she held “a lot of respect for Lois.” The tennis world may forgive a missed serve, but foul play in words? That’s harder to shake off.
Lois Boisson’s Deodorant Drop Mic
While Dart's apology tried to smooth things over, it was Lois Boisson who stole the show—and the internet. Taking the high road with a heavy dose of humor, the 21-year-old posted a picture from the match on Instagram, photoshopping a Dove deodorant can into her racket hand. Her cheeky caption? "@dove apparently need a collab," complete with a prayer emoji and a pair of laughing faces. Social media erupted in praise, calling her response "classy," "smart," and a "mic-drop moment" worthy of a Grand Slam itself.
Net Gains and New Fans
Boisson’s swift and witty comeback not only earned her the match, but also a surge of new fans and potentially, a brand deal. Fans rallied behind her with cries of “Outstanding!” and “That’s the drama I love on the WTA.” Some even began tagging Dove in droves, campaigning for the most unexpectedly iconic endorsement in tennis history.
While Dart has seen highs like Wimbledon third rounds and Billie Jean King Cup glory, this moment may serve as a career footnote she didn’t bargain for. On the other side, Boisson—ranked 303 and just getting her 2024 WTA Tour started—walked away with a win on the court and off it.
Turns out, when it comes to grace under pressure and a well-timed joke, the real deodorant champion is clear.
From Backhand to Backlash
Social media didn't hold back, launching a volley of criticism at the British No. 4 for what many called a “nasty” and “arrogant” comment. Critics pointed out the irony: Dart’s game, not her opponent’s scent, was what really stank that day. She lost the match 6-0, 6-3—a scoreline as brutal as her insult—and quickly realized she may have served herself into a PR fault.
Harriet Dart asked the umpire to tell her opponent to wear deodorant 😳
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2025
She lost the match 6-0 6-3
(h/t @popalorena)
pic.twitter.com/kk5Wm69jTd
Apology, Ace’d
Not long after the backlash, Dart took to Instagram with a formal apology, calling the incident a “heat-of-the-moment comment” that she “truly regrets.” She assured fans that it wasn’t how she wished to conduct herself and added that she held “a lot of respect for Lois.” The tennis world may forgive a missed serve, but foul play in words? That’s harder to shake off.
Harriet Dart apologizes for asking the umpire to tell her opponent to wear deodorant. pic.twitter.com/YHpgMQgMak
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2025
Lois Boisson’s Deodorant Drop Mic
While Dart's apology tried to smooth things over, it was Lois Boisson who stole the show—and the internet. Taking the high road with a heavy dose of humor, the 21-year-old posted a picture from the match on Instagram, photoshopping a Dove deodorant can into her racket hand. Her cheeky caption? "@dove apparently need a collab," complete with a prayer emoji and a pair of laughing faces. Social media erupted in praise, calling her response "classy," "smart," and a "mic-drop moment" worthy of a Grand Slam itself.
Lois Boisson’s response to Harriet Dart saying she needs to wear deodorant during their match 💀💀💀💀💀
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2025
“Dove, apparently we need a collaboration” https://t.co/S4u0dgevPS pic.twitter.com/0E5ckZhULn
Net Gains and New Fans
Boisson’s swift and witty comeback not only earned her the match, but also a surge of new fans and potentially, a brand deal. Fans rallied behind her with cries of “Outstanding!” and “That’s the drama I love on the WTA.” Some even began tagging Dove in droves, campaigning for the most unexpectedly iconic endorsement in tennis history.
While Dart has seen highs like Wimbledon third rounds and Billie Jean King Cup glory, this moment may serve as a career footnote she didn’t bargain for. On the other side, Boisson—ranked 303 and just getting her 2024 WTA Tour started—walked away with a win on the court and off it.
Turns out, when it comes to grace under pressure and a well-timed joke, the real deodorant champion is clear.
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