Cannabis smell at US Open is distracting – Boulter
British number one Katie Boulter says the smell of cannabis at the US Open can distract players and disrupt concentration during matches. Her comments highlight a recurring issue at Flushing Meadows, where cannabis is legal nearby despite smoking being prohibited within the tournament grounds.
Boulter, ranked 60th in the world, said she has often noticed the smell on practice courts and during a previous match, ahead of facing American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee. Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Maria Sakkari have also raised similar concerns in past tournaments; the USTA says it works with police and parks officials to limit smoking around the venue, although it cannot control activity outside its grounds.
- Boulter says cannabis smell can disrupt players’ focus at the US Open.
- The issue has prompted complaints from several players in recent years.
- Organisers say they cannot fully control smoking outside the venue.