Sometimes, it’s not just the match that leaves a mark—it’s what happens in the moments in between.
For British tennis player Harriet Dart, one offhand comment during a match back in April turned into a much bigger deal than she ever anticipated.
And as she gears up for Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is still navigating the fallout from that heated moment.
A Comment That Sparked a Storm
During a match in Rouen earlier this year, Dart made a remark about her opponent, Lois Boisson, claiming she “smelled really bad.”
She even asked the umpire to suggest Boisson use deodorant.
It was a comment caught on mic—and it quickly spread across social media, leading to backlash and criticism from fans and fellow players alike.
Dart did apologize afterward, but with Wimbledon approaching, the topic resurfaced in press conferences. And she made it clear she’s ready to move on.
“I’m Human, and It Got to Me”
When asked about how the reaction affected her, Dart was candid.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me a little bit,” she admitted. “I’m human at the end of the day.
We all make mistakes, and I just try to keep looking forward.”
She opened up about the personal toll the situation took:
“These last few weeks haven’t been easy.
I don’t always share what I go through, but I’ve been trying to just focus on the present and do my best preparing for what’s next.”
And as for why it’s still a talking point? She’s just as puzzled as anyone.
“I don’t even know why we’re still talking about it, honestly. It’s been months.
I’ve answered all the questions and I’m ready to put it behind me.”
On-Court Struggles Since the Incident
The controversy hasn’t just stayed off the court. Dart’s form this season has dipped, with her ranking sliding out of the top 100.
Since the Boisson match, she’s only managed to win seven matches.
However, she’s shown some positive signs recently—particularly at Eastbourne, where she pushed reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova to the brink, earning two match points before falling short.
A Coaching Change and a Shift in Momentum
“It’s been a tough year,” Dart said. “I’ve played some really strong opponents, and there’s been a lot of change too.
I’ve had a coaching change, so there’s just been a lot happening behind the scenes.”
But after Eastbourne, she’s feeling more confident about where her game is heading:
“I felt a lot better about my level last week.
It gave me a boost going into Wimbledon.”
Off-Court Peace Comes in Pieces—Lego Pieces
When it comes to winding down away from tennis, Dart’s go-to escape is one that might surprise fans: Lego building.
“My family and I love it,” she said with a smile. “I take Lego sets on the road with me.
I’ve got a bunch of cars—Porsches, McLarens. I’ve even done the Statue of Liberty and a Harry Potter set.”
She’s got big dreams for her hobby too.
“I’ve seen people who’ve got entire rooms filled with their Lego creations.
I’m not quite there yet, but that would be amazing.”