US Open Players Complain As Marijuana Smell Drifts From Nearby Park
Djokovic, Boulter And Other Tennis Stars Say Weed Odour Can Be A Distraction During Matches
The smell of marijuana wafting from nearby Corona Park has once again become an unwanted distraction for tennis players at the US Open, with several stars complaining about the strong odour around the Flushing Meadows courts.
Marijuana is legal for adults in New York, although smoking is prohibited inside the US Open grounds. However, the tournament's outdoor courts, particularly those close to the park, can be affected by the smell drifting into the venue.
World No 20 Casper Ruud complained about the issue last year, describing the marijuana smell as the "worst thing" about New York. Court 17, which is located closest to the park, was even dubbed hash-banen, or "hash court", by sections of the Danish press.
Novak Djokovic also voiced his concerns last year, saying the smell was difficult to miss and could be noticed from the training grounds to the match courts. "I'm not a fan of the smell either, it stinks," Djokovic said, while acknowledging that marijuana use is permitted in the city.
British No 1 Katie Boulter said she had also experienced the smell while practising and competing at the tournament. She admitted she was not a fan of it, particularly because it could become a distraction during matches.
"I've played on one before and I did smell it during my match. It's something that I wouldn't like to smell in the middle of my match," Boulter said.
British No 3 Fran Jones also recalled encountering the smell during her first-round match last year. She joked with an official about whether it was normal, only to be told that it was because the court was next to the park.
The issue has therefore remained a recurring talking point at the US Open, as players attempt to stay focused amid the distinctive smell drifting over some of the outdoor courts.
