The scent of cannabis has emerged as an unexpected distraction for players competing in the US Open, with several athletes complaining that the odor is impacting their performance. The final Grand Slam of the season is being held in New York, where cannabis is legal for adults over 21.

While smoking is prohibited within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the smell reportedly wafts onto the courts from nearby Corona Park. This has been an issue in previous years, with notable players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev having previously expressed similar concerns.

British player Katie Boulter, currently ranked world number 60, stated that the smell is noticeable on the practice courts. "I'm not a huge fan of it," Boulter said. "I know a lot of players have complained on some of the specific courts. I've played on one before and I did smell it during my match."

She added that the distraction can take players "out of the moment" and that "you don't need distractions."

Persistent Issue

The issue of cannabis odor at the US Open is not new. In 2022, Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios reported that a spectator smoking courtside was aggravating his asthma, leading to a request from the umpire for fans to refrain. The following year, Maria Sakkari of Greece brought the smell to the attention of an umpire mid-match, though she later clarified it was not an excuse for her defeat.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA), the organizer of the event, stated that it collaborates with local police and the parks department to mitigate smoking near the venue. A USTA spokesperson commented, "While we can't control what takes place off the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we continue to be vigilant as we maintain this."

Other British players have also noted the presence of the smell. Fran Jones, who qualified for the tournament, recalled a previous experience: "Last year I made a joke about that, in my first round, and I said to the guy, 'is this normal?' Because I was on the stadium, and it's next to the park. He's like, 'yeah.' and I was like: 'Well, no wonder I'm playing pretty well.' This year I'll be like 'no, lock in, lock in!'"

Harriet Dart, after qualifying, remarked on the ubiquitous nature of the smell in New York City, stating, "It is what it is. Same for everyone."