Boulter: Marijuana aroma at Flushing Meadows disrupts focus

British number one Katie Boulter has voiced frustration over cannabis smell at the US Open, saying it interferes with her concentration during matches. She noted the odor is noticeable on practice courts and has been an issue for other players in previous years. The USTA said it works with local police and parks department to reduce smoking near the venue.

The US Open’s location beside Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, where cannabis is legal for adults, has created a recurring olfactory challenge for players. Boulter’s complaint echoes past incidents involving Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Maria Sakkari, who each flagged the smell during matches. The USTA acknowledges it cannot control activity outside the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but says it coordinates with police and parks officials to curb smoking near the venue’s perimeter.

British qualifiers Fran Jones and Harriet Dart also acknowledged the aroma, with Jones joking about it during a previous first-round match and Dart shrugging it off as typical New York atmosphere. The issue appears most pronounced on practice courts and certain stadiums adjacent to the park, where wind carries the scent onto the playing surface. Players emphasize that any unexpected distraction can disrupt focus during high-stakes Grand Slam matches.