French tennis star Loïs Boisson has once again been in the spotlight — not just for her sensational return to the court, but also for the brilliant and humorous way she handled an unusual controversy on the court.
In a dominant display at the Rouen Open, Loïs Boisson stunned the tennis world by defeating world number 110 Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-3. But it wasn’t just the one-sided scoreline that grabbed headlines — it was Dart’s controversial comment during the match: ‘She really stinks.’
Yes, you read that right.
👃 The comment that caused a storm.
During the intense match, Dart was heard telling the umpire through a microphone that Boisson needed deodorant, saying she smelled bad. While some saw it as an attempt to embarrass the French underdog, many fans and commentators found the comment unnecessary and unsportsmanlike.
😂 Boyson’s stunning comeback — with deodorant
Instead of firing back angrily, Boyson won the internet over with a clever Instagram post. He shared a photo of his mid-serve, edited to show a can of Dove deodorant in his hand, with the caption:
“Apparently a collab @Dove is needed.”
The post quickly went viral, earning praise from fans, players, and media outlets for his playful yet powerful response.
🗣️ Dart apologized
Harriet Dart issued a public apology on Instagram shortly after the backlash:
“I deeply regret what I said — it was careless and didn’t reflect the respect I strive to show. I now realise that my words were unfair and not a reflection of my respect for my fellow competitors. I always aim to set a positive example, and this incident clearly fell short of that standard.”
While many welcomed the apology, others felt it came too late and was merely a response to the public backlash.
🎾 Boson’s win: more than just a score
The win meant more than a place in the next round. It’s a sign of Boson’s resilience, coming back from a serious left knee injury that sidelined her for months. Ranked No. 303, Boson’s upset of a top-120 player proves that she is not only a physical fighter but also a mental one.
📈 SportSnip Analysis: Why this moment matters.
This incident is a perfect example of how players are redefining professionalism. Instead of escalating the situation, Boisson turned the negativity into a branding moment, displaying confidence, humor, and emotional maturity.
Her performance clearly shows that she has regained her rhythm and is competing with confidence. More importantly, she has proven that she can handle pressure both on and off the court – a quality that could easily make her a fan favorite this season.
