Why can tennis players smell marijuana at the US Open?

Marijuana is legal for adults in New York, and the aroma drifts over the practice courts from nearby Corona Park, even though smoking is not allowed on the tournament site.

What has Katie Boulter said about the smell?

Katie Boulter, one of Britain's US Open hopefuls, said she has experienced the smell and is not a huge fan of it.

Is smoking allowed at the US Open?

Smoking is not allowed on the tournament site, but the smell still reaches the courts because it comes from outside the grounds.

Has the US Open responded to the complaints?

The tournament organisers have not yet commented publicly on the complaints from players about the smell.

Tennis

British tennis players raise concerns over marijuana smell at US Open

Katie Boulter says she has experienced the smell, which drifts over practice courts from nearby Corona Park.

By Sportsback58m ago

Edwin Martinez · CC BY 2.0

British tennis players at the US Open have complained about the smell of marijuana drifting over practice courts at Flushing Meadows. Katie Boulter is among those affected, saying she has experienced it and is not a fan.

The smell originates from the surrounding area. Marijuana is legal for adults in New York, but smoking is not permitted on the tournament site. The aroma nevertheless wafts over some outside courts from nearby Corona Park.

Boulter, one of Britain's US Open hopefuls, made her feelings clear. "I've experienced it. I'm not a huge fan," she said. Her comment adds a light touch to what has become an awkward topic around the practice courts.

The situation carries a touch of irony for British players, who thought they had left the grass of Wimbledon behind them. Here at Flushing Meadows, they are instead complaining about a different kind of grass smell.

The issue appears confined to some outside courts, making it an irritation for players preparing away from the main stadium. Practice conditions play a significant role in a player's preparation for a Grand Slam, and an intrusive smell is an unusual disruption.

Because the source is outside the tournament grounds, it is not something the organisers can easily eliminate. The US Open is one of the sport's four Grand Slam tournaments, and British players have arrived with hopes of a deep run.

Why it matters

For the British contingent, the US Open is a chance to make an impression on the biggest stage. Complaints about the smell are an unwanted side issue, even though there is no indication that any matches have been affected. The focus remains on the tennis.

What is not yet known

The tournament organisers have not responded publicly to the players' complaints. It is also unclear whether players from other nations have raised concerns, and whether any practical measures could be introduced to reduce the smell around the practice courts.

For now, the situation appears to be tolerated rather than escalated. The tournament continues, and the players are left to deal with an unfamiliar part of the New York environment. Whether anything changes remains to be seen.

Frequently asked questions

Why can tennis players smell marijuana at the US Open?: Marijuana is legal for adults in New York, and the aroma drifts over the practice courts from nearby Corona Park, even though smoking is not allowed on the tournament site.
What has Katie Boulter said about the smell?: Katie Boulter, one of Britain's US Open hopefuls, said she has experienced the smell and is not a huge fan of it.
Is smoking allowed at the US Open?: Smoking is not allowed on the tournament site, but the smell still reaches the courts because it comes from outside the grounds.
Has the US Open responded to the complaints?: The tournament organisers have not yet commented publicly on the complaints from players about the smell.