British number four Harriet Dart has apologised for asking the umpire to tell her French opponent to put on deodorant during a first-round loss at the Rouen Open.
Dart lost 6-0 6-3 to Lois Boisson, which included the 28-year-old being swept aside in the opening set in just 28 minutes.
During a changeover in the second set, Dart was heard on the broadcast asking the official: “Can you ask her to put on deodorant? She smells really bad.”
But Dart later posted on her Instagram story: “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 now 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.”
Dart went on to fail to convert any of her six break points as the 21-year-old Boisson claimed a comprehensive victory to reach the last 16.
BBC Sport has contacted the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for comment.
