US Open Players Confront Persistent Cannabis Odor from Flushing Meadows Park
US Open players have reported strong cannabis odors drifting onto the courts from Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, with several athletes describing it as a persistent and sometimes distracting presence during matches
Key Points
- 1Players at the US Open reported strong cannabis odors coming from Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
- 2Francesca Jones and Katie Boulter both described the cannabis smell as noticeable and sometimes distracting during matches
- 3Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic have previously complained about the issue, citing personal discomfort
- 4The United States Tennis Association prohibits smoking on tournament grounds and works with local authorities to limit smoke near the courts
- 5The proximity of the tennis center to a public park makes complete control over the issue difficult
The unmistakable aroma of cannabis has once again drifted through the courts of the US Open, becoming an annual tradition as familiar as late-night matches and New York’s bustling soundtrack. Tennis pros have reported the pervasive smell emanating from Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, which surrounds the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This year, the presence of cannabis smoke has drawn more attention, with several players commenting on its impact during play
British player Francesca 'Fran' Jones described a recent match as one of her worst experiences with cannabis smoke at the US Open. Reflecting on her 6-4, 6-1 win over Laura Garland, Jones joked, 'Well, sometimes, you know when I’m hallucinating! No, I had a wee giggle to myself, and then I was, like, ‘OK, back to the point.’' While Jones emphasized that her comment was in jest, she confirmed the smell was impossible to ignore
Other players have been less amused by the recurring issue. Katie Boulter, also from Britain, noted, 'Down in the park courts, you do smell it [cannabis] a lot,' and recounted how distractions from the odor disrupted her focus, particularly on Court 17, which is closest to the park. 'I’m trying to focus and then it takes you out of the moment when you really don’t need distractions,' Boulter explained
The phenomenon is not new to the US Open. In previous years, players like Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic have voiced their concerns. Kyrgios, who has asthma, once stopped play to ask officials to remind spectators not to smoke. Djokovic observed, 'You can really smell the smell, it’s not like you can miss it. Some people are more disturbed than others. I’m not a fan of the smell either, it stinks.' Despite personal discomfort, Djokovic acknowledged, 'It’s allowed here and you have to accept it.'
Tournament organizers face challenges in enforcing no-smoking rules, as the tennis center sits within a large public park where external activities are difficult to control. The United States Tennis Association states that smoking is prohibited on tournament grounds and that it coordinates with the NYPD and Parks Department to limit smoking nearby. Nevertheless, players say the scent persists, particularly on courts closest to the park’s perimeter
OG Lab notes that the intersection of public park life and international sport has created a unique atmosphere at the US Open, reflecting New York’s evolving cannabis culture. As legalization continues to shape city life, tournament organizers and athletes may need to adapt to this aromatic backdrop, making it an enduring feature of the event for years to come
