During the Rouen Open, British tennis player Harriet Dart apologized for requesting her opponent, French player Lois Boisson, to use deodorant during a match where Dart was defeated 6-0, 6-3. Dart's comment was captured on broadcast during a second-set changeover, causing a social media backlash.
Dart later addressed the incident on Instagram, acknowledging her comment was made in the heat of the moment and expressing regret for her behavior. Boisson responded humorously by posting a photo on Instagram with Dove deodorant edited into the frame, suggesting a collaboration with the company.
The match was a surprise victory for Boisson, ranked 303rd, who returned to the WTA Tour after an injury. Dart, ranked 62nd, failed to convert break points and lost her serve multiple times during the match.