Cannabis smell at US Open is distracting - Boulter

British number one tennis player Katie Boulter has voiced concerns over the strong smell of cannabis distracting players at the US Open in New York. Speaking ahead of the final Grand Slam tournament of the season at Flushing Meadows, Boulter joined a growing list of professional tennis stars who have complained about the odor drifting onto the competition courts from surrounding public areas.

Cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in New York State. Although smoking is strictly prohibited inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, people in nearby Flushing Meadows-Corona Park frequently consume it outside the gates. Boulter, who is preparing to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round, stated that the odor is particularly noticeable on the practice courts, creating an unwelcome distraction during high-stakes preparation.

Boulter explained that smelling cannabis during competition interrupts a player's focus and takes them out of the moment. She noted that while she is not a fan of the smell, several other players have raised similar complaints about specific courts during previous editions of the tournament.

In response to the ongoing issue, the United States Tennis Association stated that it works closely with local law enforcement and the parks department to monitor and reduce smoking along the perimeter of the venue. USTA officials acknowledged the logistical challenge, noting that while they cannot control what takes place off the grounds of the tennis center, they remain vigilant in addressing the situation.

The scent of cannabis has been a recurring theme at Flushing Meadows in recent years. Top players including Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Maria Sakkari have previously mentioned the smell during their matches. In 2022, Australian player Nick Kyrgios complained to an umpire that courtside smoke was triggering his asthma, prompting officials to ask spectators to refrain from smoking nearby.

Other British competitors in the draw have also acknowledged the pervasive atmosphere. Fran Jones, who qualified for the main draw to face Poland's Magda Linette, recalled making light of the situation during her tournament debut last year. Harriet Dart, who set up a first-round match against American Peyton Stearns, described the issue as an unavoidable aspect of playing in New York City, stating that the smell is everywhere and the condition remains the same for every competitor.

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