France’s Lois Boisson Was Accused of Smelling “Really Bad” by Harriet Dart Few Weeks Before Her French Open Breakthrough

Lois Boisson has been one of the shocks of this year's Roland Garros.

France’s Lois Boisson Was Accused of Smelling “Really Bad” by Harriet Dart Few Weeks Before Her French Open Breakthrough

Lois Boisson (via The Tennis Channel)

Lois Boisson delivered one of the standout performances of Roland Garros this year by defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula. The packed crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier witnessed a tense battle, with Boisson edging out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win. She showed great composure in the final set, riding both momentum and pressure to seal the upset.

At just 22 years old, Boisson became the third-youngest Frenchwoman to reach the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in the Open Era. Only Mary Pierce in 1994 and Brigitte Simon in 1978 were younger. Ranked No. 361, she is also the lowest-ranked player to reach the last eight at the French Open in the past 40 years, and the lowest at any Slam since Kaia Kanepi in 2017.

This victory marks a turning point in Boisson’s public image. Until recently, her name was most associated with a controversial moment during a match against Harriet Dart at the Open de Rouen. Dart, frustrated during the match, made an inappropriate remark about Boisson’s hygiene, which was caught on a courtside microphone. Dart later apologized for the comment.

Boisson responded to the incident with humor. On Instagram, she shared a light-hearted post featuring a photoshopped image of herself holding a deodorant product, joking that she needed a sponsorship deal. Her performance at Roland Garros has since shifted attention from that controversy to her rising potential on the court.

Lois Boisson finally opens up on the Harriet Dart incident

French tennis star Lois Boisson has responded to a controversial moment involving British player Harriet Dart during a match at the Rouen Open in April. The incident occurred when Dart made a comment implying the French woman had body odor, saying, “Tell her to wear deodorant,” during their match. The remark was caught on the court’s microphones.

Lois Boisson Open de Rouen 2025
Lois Boisson (via Instagram/Lois Boisson)

It was not difficult to deal with. It was okay. It was nothing for me. She maybe made a mistake, then I joked about it, that’s it.

Lois Boisson said in Roland Garros press conference

The match was already going poorly for Dart, who had lost the first set 6-0 and was trailing in the second. Instead of focusing on her performance, she made the unexpected comment to the umpire. Dart eventually lost the match in straight sets to the 22-year-old French player.

Following the backlash, Dart apologized, stating her words were said in the heat of the moment. She admitted the remark was inappropriate and took responsibility for her actions. The comment drew criticism online, with many calling it disrespectful and some even suggesting a suspension.

Boisson remained mostly quiet after the incident but reacted lightheartedly when the topic spread on social media. She joked that Dove should sponsor her, referencing the comment. Meanwhile, online users continued to criticize Dart, demanding a public apology and stronger accountability.

Lois Boisson makes history at Roland Garros

Wildcard sensation Lois Boisson pulled off a major upset by defeating No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth round at Roland Garros. The match, played on Court Philippe Chatrier, lasted two hours and 40 minutes and ended with the French crowd on their feet. It was a memorable comeback win in Boisson’s debut Grand Slam main draw.

Lois Boisson
Lois Boisson (via X)

This is only Boisson’s second appearance at a tour-level event, making her run in Paris even more remarkable. She is the first Frenchwoman to reach the singles quarterfinals at Roland Garros since 2017, when both Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic made the last eight. Her performance has energized local fans and brought fresh attention to French women’s tennis.

Boisson is now the lowest-ranked player to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since Kaia Kanepi, who did so at the 2017 US Open while ranked No. 418. She is also the first woman since Carla Suarez Navarro in 2008 to reach a quarterfinal in her Grand Slam main-draw debut. Her win over Pegula was also her first match against a Top 20 player, and she made it count.

Her next challenge is a quarterfinal clash with No. 6 seed Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Daria Kasatkina earlier in the day. Regardless of the outcome, the French wildcard is set to achieve a new career-high ranking, projected to rise near No. 120. A win in the next round could push her as high as No. 68 in the PIF WTA Rankings.