Weed Smell at US Open: Players Furious, Fans Unfazed!

2025-08-28 18:00:19.51

The US Open, known for its lively atmosphere, is facing a new distraction: the pervasive smell of marijuana. Players like Casper Ruud have openly criticized the odor, calling it the "worst thing about New York." Court 17 has even earned the nickname "hash court" due to the frequent smell of cannabis. While the USTA maintains a no-smoking policy within the grounds, the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York in 2021, coupled with the proximity to Corona Park where smoking is permitted, has made the smell unavoidable. Players have complained for years, with Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari, and Alexander Zverev among those expressing frustration. The USTA claims to be vigilant in enforcing its rules but acknowledges the difficulty in controlling what happens outside the grounds. Fans, however, seem largely unconcerned, viewing the smell as a normal part of New York City life. The situation highlights a clash between the image of tennis and the realities of a city embracing legal marijuana.