Katie Boulter Voices Concerns Over Cannabis Smell at US Open

New Delhi, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: British number one Katie Boulter has raised concerns about the pervasive smell of cannabis affecting her performance at the US Open, highlighting a growing issue that has garnered attention from players and officials alike.

The US Open, which is held annually at Flushing Meadows in New York, is the final major tournament of the season. The event attracts top players from around the globe, and this year, it begins on Sunday. New York has legalized cannabis for recreational use for adults aged 21 and over, a move that has sparked discussions about the implications for public events and s venues.

While smoking is prohibited on the grounds of the US Open, the scent of cannabis has become a familiar presence, wafting in from nearby Corona Park. This has been a source of annoyance for several players in past tournaments, including notable figures such as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, who have voiced their frustrations regarding the distraction it creates during their matches.

Boulter, currently ranked world number 60, is preparing to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in her opening match. She has expressed that the smell of cannabis is particularly strong on the practice courts, stating, "I'm not a huge fan of it. I know a lot of players have complained on some of the specific courts. I've played on one before and I did smell it during my match."

Her comments reflect a broader concern among athletes who strive to maintain focus and concentration during high-stakes competitions. Boulter elaborated, "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 and you really don't want to. You don't need distractions. So yeah, I wasn't a huge fan of it."

The issue of cannabis smell at the US Open is not new. In 2022, Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios addressed a similar problem when he complained about a fan smoking cannabis courtside, which triggered his asthma. This prompted the umpire to intervene and request that spectators refrain from smoking during matches. The situation highlights the potential health implications that cannabis smoke can have, particularly for players with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

In the 2023 tournament, Greece's Maria Sakkari also brought attention to the issue when she pointed out the smell to an umpire during a match. She later clarified that her comments were not intended as an excuse for her performance, but rather as an observation about the atmosphere during play.

The United States Association (USTA), which organizes the US Open, has acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by the smell of cannabis. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "While we can't control what takes place off the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Center, we continue to be vigilant as we maintain this." This statement underscores the complexities of managing public spaces in a city where cannabis use has been legalized, yet is still subject to regulations, especially in environments where athletes are competing at the highest level.

Other British players have also shared their experiences regarding the cannabis smell at the tournament. Fran Jones, who qualified for the US Open, recalled joking about the smell during her first-round match last year, highlighting the proximity of the stadium to the park where spectators may be smoking. She remarked, "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!'"

Harriet Dart, another British player, also noted the omnipresence of cannabis in New York, stating, "I mean it's New York. It's New York. I feel like everywhere you walk around, it's everywhere, no? It is what it is. Same for everyone." Dart's comments reflect a broader acceptance of the situation among players, even if it remains a distraction.

The implications of cannabis legalization in public spaces extend beyond the realm of professional s. As more states across the U.S. move toward legalizing recreational cannabis, events like the US Open may need to consider how to address the impact of cannabis use on both players and spectators. The challenge lies in balancing the rights of individuals to enjoy legal substances with the need to maintain a professional environment conducive to athletic performance.

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether the USTA implements any additional measures to mitigate the effects of cannabis smoke on players. The ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis use in s reflects a larger cultural shift regarding its acceptance and regulation, raising questions about how s organizations will adapt to these changes in the years to come.