The tennis world is no stranger to heated moments, but few incidents have spread as quickly as the recent on-court exchange between French tennis player Lois Boisson and British competitor Harriet Dart. During their match at the Rouen Open, Dart’s surprising and unsportsmanlike comment sparked a wave of online discussion. It gave Boisson an unexpected viral moment—one she handled with grace, humor, and sharp media savvy.
The controversy began during a routine changeover in their match, where Dart, visibly frustrated and trailing heavily, said to the umpire:
“Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She smells really bad.”
This single sentence, captured by courtside microphones, instantly made waves online. Yet while some athletes might have been thrown off or embarrassed, Lois Boisson chose a different route—she responded with wit and style.
Harriet Dart’s Comment: Poor Sportsmanship or Emotional Slip?
The Comment That Sparked a Firestorm
In the world of professional tennis, players are often placed under extreme pressure. But there’s a line between intense competition and personal attacks. Harriet Dart, ranked within the top 150, crossed that line during her 6–0, 6–3 loss to Boisson.
What she may have thought was a private vent to the chair umpire turned into a headline-making moment once broadcast microphones picked it up. The audio clip quickly spread across Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram, with many fans calling the comment inappropriate and disrespectful.
Social Media’s Swift Response
U.S. tennis fans were quick to weigh in. Many saw Dart’s words as an unnecessary personal attack, especially considering the match’s context—Boisson was dominating the court, leaving Dart frustrated and without answers.
“Really? You’re getting beat and THAT’S the hill you choose to die on?” one American user tweeted, summarizing the sentiment shared by thousands. Several tennis influencers and sports journalists echoed the criticism, noting that personal hygiene should never be a topic of public ridicule, especially in a professional setting.
Lois Boisson Responds With Humor and Class
An Instagram Post That Stole the Show
Rather than lashing out, Lois Boisson used humor to reclaim the narrative. The 21-year-old French player posted a clever Instagram photo showing her holding a can of Dove deodorant on the court, alongside the caption:
“@Dove need a collab 😂😂”
This light-hearted response not only showcased Boisson’s ability to rise above the drama but also demonstrated a deep understanding of how to handle viral moments with grace. The post immediately earned tens of thousands of likes, particularly from American fans who appreciated her sense of humor and confidence.
Turning an Insult Into Opportunity
Marketing experts in the U.S. took notice, too. While Dove has not yet responded to Boisson’s playful callout, brand consultants say this kind of organic publicity is worth more than any traditional ad campaign. In an age where influencer culture drives brand engagement, Boisson’s response could open real commercial doors for her.
“She just turned an insult into a branding opportunity,” said one New York-based PR specialist. “That’s genius-level crisis control.”
Nick Kyrgios Weighs In
A Veteran of Controversy Has His Say
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, no stranger to controversy himself, offered a blunt take on the incident via X:
“Saying this when you are down and getting snipped is wild.”
Kyrgios, who has had his fair share of fines and verbal clashes on the court, seemed to sympathize with Boisson while also subtly calling out Dart for poor sportsmanship. His comment further amplified the incident, drawing even more attention from fans and fellow athletes.
Who Is Lois Boisson?
A Breakout Moment for a Rising Star
For many American fans, this was their first time hearing about Lois Boisson, but she’s far from a rookie in the tennis world. Born in 2003, Boisson has been climbing the ranks of French tennis for the past few years. At just 21, she’s currently ranked No. 303 in the world but shows strong promise on clay courts.
The Rouen Open was supposed to be just another wildcard opportunity for her to gain experience. Instead, she’s now at the center of an international story—and handling it like a seasoned pro.
What Makes Boisson Stand Out?
Boisson’s playing style is aggressive but controlled, built on precise groundstrokes and a calm demeanor. U.S.-based tennis analysts have described her as “the kind of player who quietly chips away until her opponent crumbles.” That quiet composure made her reaction to Dart’s insult all the more powerful.
A Look at the Match: Dart vs. Boisson
Boisson’s Dominant Performance
Beyond the drama, it’s important not to lose sight of the tennis. Lois Boisson put on a clinic during the match. She won the first set 6–0 and maintained control throughout the second to seal the win 6–3.
She played clean, aggressive tennis with minimal unforced errors. Dart, on the other hand, appeared flustered and frustrated from the outset, eventually resorting to the now-infamous comment that overshadowed her performance.
The Mental Edge
Psychologists and coaches often speak about the importance of mental toughness in tennis. Boisson’s ability to stay focused, despite a personal insult and international attention—shows she has the kind of resilience needed to succeed at the highest levels.
“She didn’t let it affect her game. That’s what champions do,” said a former American WTA coach during a recent podcast.
Next Up for Lois Boisson: Round of 16 Clash
Facing Moyuka Uchijima
Boisson’s victory over Dart has propelled her into the Round of 16, where she’ll face Moyuka Uchijima of Japan. Uchijima, currently ranked higher than Boisson, made her way to the third round after defeating Italy’s Nuria Brancaccio in a tough three-set battle (3–6, 6–2, 6–1).
While Uchijima brings a solid baseline game and consistent serve, Boisson’s confidence and current momentum could give her the edge. With all eyes now on her, American tennis fans are tuning in with growing interest.
U.S. Fans Embrace Boisson
A New Favorite?
The American tennis audience often rallies behind players who show resilience, humor, and humility. Boisson has checked all three boxes—and in doing so, built a fanbase that’s quickly expanding across the Atlantic.
Tennis communities in Florida, California, and New York have begun sharing her matches and memes, hailing her as a refreshing personality in a sport that can sometimes feel overly polished or robotic.
“She’s got guts, she’s got game, and she’s got a sense of humor. What’s not to like?” said one fan from Austin, Texas, in a Reddit thread discussing the match.
How Brands Could Benefit
The Dove Angle
Boisson’s cheeky post tagging @Dove opened the door to a potential brand partnership. Dove, a major U.S. personal care brand known for its “Real Beauty” campaign, has not yet commented publicly. But if they were looking to connect with Gen Z tennis fans, they may have found their perfect ambassador.
Marketing analysts estimate that Boisson’s viral post generated the equivalent of over $150,000 in brand exposure within 48 hours. That’s the kind of buzz brands usually pay influencers to create.
What’s Next for Lois Boisson?
Beyond Rouen
Whether or not she wins her next match, Boisson has already made an impression that could boost her career in a big way. If she continues performing well through the clay-court season, we could see her in the main draws at Roland Garros and maybe even the U.S. Open this summer.
As her ranking rises, expect more interviews, brand deals, and possibly invitations to premier American tournaments like Indian Wells or the Miami Open.
A Star Is Born
In just 24 hours, Lois Boisson went from a relatively unknown wildcard to a viral sensation and potential brand ambassador—all while staying focused on her game and letting her tennis do the talking. Her classy and humorous response to an unsportsmanlike jab won over fans, sportswriters, and sponsors alike.
For American tennis fans, Boisson represents the kind of player we love to root for: tough, talented, and true to herself. Whether or not a Dove partnership materializes, one thing is certain—Lois Boisson has arrived, and she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.