4 days ago
Tennis players raise concerns over cannabis smell at US Open
The 2026 US Open tennis tournament starts on Sunday, August 30.
Katie Boulter said the smell of cannabis near some courts can distract players.
She said the odor has been noticeable around practice courts and during a match.
Boulter wants to concentrate without unexpected smells interrupting her.
Other players, including Fran Jones and Harriet Dart, have also mentioned the issue.
In 2022, Nick Kyrgios said smoking near a court triggered his asthma.
An umpire asked that spectator to stop smoking.
Cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older in New York.
Boulter will play Carol Young Suh Lee in her opening match.
Katie Boulter said cannabis odors near the US Open courts can distract players.
Boulter reported smelling cannabis around practice courts and during a previous match.
New York permits adults aged 21 and older to use cannabis legally.
Nick Kyrgios complained in 2022 that nearby smoking triggered his asthma.
Boulter will open against American wild card Carol Young Suh Lee.
- Who
- British tennis player Katie Boulter, along with other players including Fran Jones, Harriet Dart and Nick Kyrgios.
- What
- Players have raised concerns that cannabis odors near US Open courts can distract them or affect their health.
- Where
- Around the US Open venue, including practice courts and courts next to a park in New York.
- When
- Boulter spoke one day before the 2026 tournament begins on Sunday, August 30; Kyrgios raised a related complaint in 2022.
- Why
- The players said the smell can interrupt concentration during practice and matches; Kyrgios said nearby smoking triggered his asthma.
Key facts
- Tournament
- 2026 US Open singles tournament
- Start date
- Sunday, August 30
- Main concern
- Cannabis odors around practice and match courts
- Katie Boulter's opponent
- American wild card Carol Young Suh Lee
- New York cannabis law
- Cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older
- Earlier complaint
- In 2022, Nick Kyrgios said nearby smoking triggered his asthma
- Other players cited
- Fran Jones and Harriet Dart
Quotes
Katie Boulter
British No. 1 tennis player competing at the 2026 US Open
“I played on the court in the corner over there. And I did smell it during my match. It’s something that I wouldn’t like to smell in the middle of my match. I’m trying to focus and then, obviously, it takes you out of the moment.”
wionews.com
“You don’t need distractions. So, yeah, I wasn’t a huge fan of it.”
wionews.com
Fran Jones
British tennis player who has previously discussed cannabis odors at the US Open
“Last year I made a joke about that, in my first round, and I said to the guy, ‘Is this normal?’ Because I was on the stadium, and it’s next to the park. He’s like, ‘Yeah.’ And I was like, ‘Well, no wonder I’m playing pretty well.’ This year I’ll be like, ‘No, lock in, lock in!’”
wionews.com
Sources
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