British tennis player’s body odour comment sparks outrage at Rouen Open

Dubai: British tennis player Harriet Dart has come under fire for an on-court remark about her opponent’s body odour during a first-round match at the Rouen Open, according to widespread reports.

The 28-year-old, currently the British No 4, was playing against France’s Lois Boisson when, after losing the first set 6-0 and trailing in the second, she reportedly approached the umpire during a changeover and said: “Can you tell her to wear deodorant?” adding: “Because the smell. Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She smells really bad.”

Boisson, who went on to win the second set 6-3 and seal the match, was reportedly unaware of the exchange during play. But she later responded in lighthearted fashion, posting a picture on Instagram of herself holding a deodorant bottle while standing on the clay court.

Dart’s comments, however, drew sharp backlash from fans and fellow players, prompting the Briton to issue a public apology on Instagram.

“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. I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today. I’ll learn from this and move forward.”

In a sport where composure and sportsmanship are as scrutinised as performance, Dart’s slip has served as a sharp reminder of the fine line athletes walk — and how quickly moments on court can echo far beyond it.