As the main draw of the US Open approaches in New York, players have voiced frustration over the pervasive smell of marijuana affecting matches and practice sessions. With recreational cannabis being legal for adults aged 21 and older in New York, the scent frequently drifts from the adjacent Flushing Meadows Corona Park into several outer courts at the venue. Britain's number one female player, Katie Boulter, was among the prominent voices speaking out against the issue, expressing her displeasure ahead of her opening match against American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee.
Athletes Struggle to Maintain Focus on Court
World number 60 Katie Boulter stated that she encountered the strong scent extensively during her practice sessions on the grounds. Describing her experience, she emphasized that she dislikes the situation immensely and noted that several athletes have lodged complaints regarding specific courts. Boulter recalled playing on a court previously where she detected the odor mid-match, adding that such a distraction is the last thing a competitor needs while trying to stay completely dialed into the game. When an athlete is attempting to concentrate, being pulled away from the present moment by unwanted odors creates an unnecessary hurdle on the court.
Mixed Reactions From British Contingent and Past Incidents
Other British competitors, including Fran Jones and Harriet Dart, also addressed the ongoing situation. Jones, who is preparing to face Poland's Magda Linette, recalled joking about the matter during her first round the previous year by asking someone if the occurrence was standard given the stadium's proximity to the park. While she laughed it off last year, she noted that this season requires a strict mental shift back to full concentration. Meanwhile, Dart took a more pragmatic stance, pointing out that the phenomenon is common in New York and everywhere else, meaning players simply have to accept the conditions since the situation affects everyone equally.
USTA Response and Historical Precedents at Flushing Meadows
In response to the recurring complaints, tournament organizers from the United States Tennis Association released a statement acknowledging that they are maintaining a watchful eye on the situation. The USTA stated that while they cannot control external activities occurring outside the boundaries of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, they remain vigilant regarding the environment inside the grounds. This is not the first time competitors have raised concerns about the issue at the Flushing Meadows major. During the previous tournament, world number 20 Casper Ruud remarked that the odor was among the worst aspects of the city. Back in 2022, Australian player Nick Kyrgios complained that smoke from a spectator near the court triggered an asthma attack. Similarly, Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari reported dealing with the scent of cannabis during her matches at the 2023 US Open.
