British tennis player Katie Boulter has expressed her frustration over the strong smell of cannabis lingering on the practice courts at the US Open, where the final major tournament of the season is set to begin. While cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in New York, smoking is not permitted on site. However, the pungent aroma of the drug wafts onto the courts from nearby Corona Park, causing discomfort for several players, including world-renowned athletes Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.
As the world number 60 prepares to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round, Boulter has revealed that the smell of cannabis is a significant distraction for her. “I’m not a fan of it,” she said. “I know many players have complained about the specific courts, and I’ve experienced it firsthand during a match. It’s disorienting and takes me out of my focus.”
Boulter emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear mind during matches, citing the need to avoid distractions. “You don’t need any extra stress or disruptions,” she added. This is not the first time the issue has been raised at the US Open, with several players expressing similar concerns in previous years.
