The short version
- British number one Katie Boulter reported that cannabis smells on practice courts are distracting and disrupt focus during matches.
- The issue stems from legal cannabis use in nearby Corona Park, with odors drifting onto the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds.
- The United States Tennis Association states it works with local authorities to mitigate smoking near site boundaries but cannot control off-premises activity.
British tennis players competing at the 2026 US Open have raised concerns about the pervasive smell of cannabis affecting their performance and concentration. Katie Boulter, the British number one ranked player, stated that she is not a fan of the odor, which she described as noticeable on practice courts and during matches. Boulter, who is preparing to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round, emphasized that such distractions are undesirable when trying to maintain focus in high-stakes competition.
The source of the complaint is the proximity of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows to Corona Park. In New York State, cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over. Although smoking is prohibited within the tournament grounds, players report that the aroma wafts onto courts from the adjacent park. Boulter noted that she has experienced the smell on specific courts before and found it disruptive to her mental state during play.
This issue is not new to the US Open. Previous years have seen similar complaints from top-tier athletes. In 2023, Greece’s Maria Sakkari pointed out the smell to an umpire midway through a set, later clarifying that she did not intend it as an excuse for her defeat. In 2022, Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios complained that a fan smoking courtside was triggering his asthma, leading officials to ask supporters to refrain from smoking in those areas.
Other British players have also acknowledged the phenomenon. Fran Jones, ranked third in Britain, recalled making a joke about the smell during her first-round match last year when she asked an official if it was normal. Jones, who faces Poland’s Magda Linette this year, said she intends to focus more intensely this time around. Harriet Dart, who qualified for the main draw after defeating Heather Watson, remarked that the smell is ubiquitous in New York City and something players must accept as part of the environment.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has addressed the recurring complaints by stating that it collaborates with local police and parks departments to reduce smoking near the site boundary. In a statement, the organization acknowledged its inability to control activities occurring off the grounds of the tennis center but affirmed its vigilance in maintaining the environment. This stance highlights the logistical challenges of managing external factors in an urban setting where public spaces border private event venues.
The distraction caused by the cannabis smell adds another layer of complexity for players already dealing with the intense pressure of Grand Slam competition. For athletes like Boulter, who reached the third round of the US Open in 2023, maintaining mental clarity is crucial. Any external factor that interrupts focus can potentially impact performance, making such environmental issues particularly sensitive during tournament play.
While some players have adopted a humorous or resigned attitude toward the smell, others view it as a genuine impediment to their preparation. The contrast in reactions underscores the subjective nature of the distraction. For some, it is merely an annoyance; for others, it is a significant disruption that requires active mental management to overcome.
The USTA’s response indicates a recognition of the problem but also a limitation in its authority to enforce changes outside its property lines. Working with local authorities offers a collaborative approach, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains unclear. Players continue to report issues, suggesting that current measures may not be sufficient to eliminate the odor entirely.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether the complaints lead to any operational changes or if players simply adapt to the conditions. The issue reflects broader challenges faced by major sporting events held in cities with relaxed regulations on substances like cannabis. Balancing local laws with the needs of athletes remains a delicate task for organizers.
Ultimately, the focus for competitors like Boulter, Jones, and Dart will remain on their matches. While the cannabis smell is a notable distraction, it is one of many variables they must navigate during the US Open. The ability to block out such external factors may prove as important as technical skill in determining success at this year’s tournament.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Cannabis smell at US Open is distracting - Boulter
- The Guardian US↗Keep off the grass: British tennis players complain of marijuana smell at US Open
