{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "British tennis star Katie Boulter complains about cannabis smell at US Open",
  "summary": "British number one Katie Boulter has expressed frustration over the lingering smell of cannabis affecting players at the US Open.",
  "content": "British number one tennis player Katie Boulter has raised concerns about the lingering smell of cannabis impacting matches at the US Open. She pointed out that the distinct aroma often drifts onto the courts and disrupts players during crucial moments of the tournament. The final major championship of the season begins on Sunday at Flushing Meadows in New York, where cannabis is legally permitted for adults aged 21 and older under local state laws.\n\n \n\nOdour drifting from nearby areas\n\nEven though smoking is strictly prohibited inside the tournament grounds, the smell frequently wafts across the courts from the adjacent Corona Park. This issue has bothered several prominent competitors in previous years, including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Boulter, who holds the world number 60 ranking, is currently preparing to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in her opening round match.\n\n \n\nDistractions during practice and matches\n\nBoulter noted that it is possible to smell cannabis quite frequently on the practice courts. She admitted that she is not a fan of the situation and mentioned that numerous players have voiced complaints about specific courts. Recalling her past experiences, she explained that she has previously played on a court where she distinctly noticed the odour during live competition. She emphasized that athletes trying to maintain high levels of focus do not need external distractions taking them out of the moment.\n\n \n\nMental disruption on the court\n\nMaintaining intense concentration is vital for success at a major tournament like the US Open, and unexpected sensory distractions can break a player's rhythm. Boulter explained that having your focus pulled away by unwanted smells is frustrating when you are trying to stay completely dialed into the match. Competitors look to eliminate avoidable disruptions, making this ongoing issue an unwelcome element of playing at the New York venue.\n\n \n\nOrganisers response and limitations\n\nThe United States Tennis Association, which organizes the Grand Slam event, stated that it actively collaborates with local law enforcement and the parks department to curb smoking near the venue boundaries. Organisers acknowledged that while they cannot control activities taking place outside the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, they remain vigilant in addressing and monitoring the situation.\n\n \n\nPerspectives from other competitors\n\nOther players have shared mixed reactions to the peculiar atmosphere surrounding the venue. One competitor recalled joking about the situation during a previous first-round match on a stadium court situated right next to the park. Meanwhile, British player Dart, who advanced to face Peyton Stearns after defeating Heather Watson in qualifying, offered a philosophical view of the surroundings. She noted that the environment reflects New York city life, where the scent is frequently encountered across the city, concluding that the situation remains identical for every competitor on the tour.\n\nWhat this means for you\nEnvironmental distractions at major international sporting events highlight the unique challenges athletes face regarding local laws and venue management.\n\n• Across India: Sports enthusiasts and aspiring tennis players gain insight into the external challenges and environmental hurdles professional athletes must manage during top-tier global tournaments.\n\n• In New York: Local residents and event attendees experience firsthand how public recreational cannabis laws intersect with major sporting venues and public spaces.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which tournament did Katie Boulter complain about the cannabis smell at?\nKatie Boulter complained about the distracting smell of cannabis during the US Open.\n\n2. What is the legal age for cannabis use in New York?\nCannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in New York.\n\n3. Where does the smell drift onto the tennis courts from?\nThe smell drifts onto the courts from the nearby Corona Park located adjacent to the venue.\n\n4. Which other players have previously complained about this issue?\nPlayers including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have complained about the smell in previous years.\n\n5. How are tournament organisers handling the situation?\nOrganisers stated they work with local police and the parks department to reduce smoking on the site boundary.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/tennis/british-tennis-star-katie-boulter-complains-about-cannabis-smell-at-us-open-24196",
  "category": "Tennis",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-29",
  "tags": [
    "US Open",
    "Katie Boulter",
    "Tennis News",
    "Cannabis",
    "Sports News",
    "New York"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}