Nick Kyrgios reacts after Harriet Dart causes controversy with comment aimed at her opponent during WTA match
Although currently away from the ATP Tour, Nick Kyrgios is keeping a close eye on tennis — including a controversial moment on the WTA circuit.
The Australian recently praised Aryna Sabalenka as “the best in the world” following her Miami Open victory, where Kyrgios also competed. He defeated Mackenzie McDonald in his opening match before falling to 22nd seed Karen Khachanov, acknowledging Khachanov was “too good” on the day. That match followed Kyrgios’ retirement at Indian Wells due to injury.
His return to the tour remains uncertain as both the ATP and WTA schedules move swiftly toward the French Open.
Harriet Dart Sparks Debate with Mid-Match Comment
At the Open de Rouen, British player Harriet Dart found herself in hot water after making a controversial remark during her first-round match against French player Lois Boisson.
Down in the match, Dart asked the umpire if Boisson could be told to wear deodorant, claiming the Frenchwoman was “smelling really bad.”
Kyrgios reacted to the situation on social media, posting on X:
“Nah saying this when you are down and getting snipped is wild.”
Dart, ranked No. 110, went on to lose the match 6-0, 6-3.
Apologies and Reactions Follow Incident
Following the backlash, Dart issued an apology via Instagram Stories:
“Hey everyone, I want to apologise for what I said on court today — it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret. That’s not how I want to carry myself, and I take full responsibility. I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today. I’ll learn from this and move forward.”
Boisson responded with humor, sharing a light-hearted Instagram Story suggesting she now needs a sponsorship deal with Dove deodorant.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions across the tennis world, but both players have since addressed it with grace and humor. With the clay season heating up, all eyes now turn to how both Dart and Kyrgios move forward — on and off the court.
