Harriet Dart has apologized for stating her opponent, France’s Lois Boisson, “smells really bad” following her sweeping defeat at the Rouen Open on Tuesday.
Dart, who lost 6-0, 6-3, was seen on camera requesting the umpire to advise Boisson to apply deodorant during a second-set changeover.
“Can you ask her to use deodorant? “She smells really bad,” Dart was heard telling the official as she fought against the 21-year-old Frenchwoman in the opening round.
The statement prompted quick reaction on social media, causing Dart to respond on Instagram.
“I really apologize the statement I made in the heat of the moment. Dart wrote, “It’s not how I want to behave, and I accept full responsibility.” “I have a lot of admiration for Lois and her performance today. I will learn from this and move forward.” Boisson, who had already left the court while Dart remained sitting, looked to be out of earshot when the Briton made her statement.
The victory was a surprise upset for the 303rd-ranked Boisson, who was making her first WTA Tour appearance of the season after an injury, over the 62nd-ranked Dart, who failed to convert any of her six break opportunities and dropped her service four times.
Reuters contacted the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for comment.
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