US Open 2026 Players Complain Of Marijuana Smell

The 2026 US Open in New York has taken a strange turn as several tennis players have complained about the smell of marijuana during matches. The tournament, held in a state where cannabis is legal for adults over 21, has seen players distracted by the aroma wafting from nearby Corona Park.

British No.1 Katie Boulder expressed her discomfort with the smell, stating that it takes her out of focus during matches. Other British players, including Fran Jones and Harriet Dart, have also spoken about the issue. Jones recalled smelling cannabis during her first-round match last year and even joked about it with a tournament official.

The smell from nearby Corona Park can sometimes reach the outside courts, causing a distraction for players during matches and practice. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), which organises the US Open, has stated that it remains alert to the issue but cannot control activities taking place outside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

This is not the first time players have complained about cannabis smoke at the US Open. In previous years, players such as Norway's Casper Ruud, Nick Kyrgios, and Greece's Maria Sakkari have also spoken out about the issue. The USTA has assured that officials will continue to remain vigilant about the situation.

The US Open is the final Grand Slam of the season, and players are gearing up for the main draw. Despite the distraction, players are focused on their matches and are trying to stay concentrated. The tournament has seen several notable players participate, including Alcaraz and Djokovic, who are bidding for their respective titles.

The issue of cannabis smell at the US Open highlights the challenges of hosting a tournament in a state where marijuana is legal. While the USTA cannot control activities outside the tournament venue, it is taking steps to ensure that players are not distracted during matches.

The 2026 US Open will continue to be a closely watched tournament, with several exciting matches lined up. Despite the unusual distraction, players are determined to perform their best and make the most of the tournament.

In conclusion, the 2026 US Open has taken a strange turn with players complaining about the smell of marijuana during matches. While the issue is being addressed by the USTA, it remains to be seen how it will affect the tournament. One thing is certain, however - the players will have to stay focused and adapt to the unusual circumstances to emerge victorious.

The incident also raises questions about the impact of legal marijuana on sporting events. As more states legalize cannabis, tournaments like the US Open may have to find ways to mitigate the effects of marijuana smoke on players. For now, the USTA is taking a vigilant approach to ensure that players can compete without distractions.

The US Open is a premier tennis tournament, and the 2026 edition is expected to be an exciting one. With several top players participating, the tournament is likely to be closely watched by tennis fans around the world. Despite the unusual distraction, the tournament is expected to be a success, with players and officials working together to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

The issue of cannabis smell at the US Open is a unique one, and it will be interesting to see how it is addressed in the coming days. For now, players are focused on their matches, and the tournament is expected to continue without any major disruptions. The 2026 US Open is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several notable players and matches lined up. Despite the unusual distraction, the tournament is expected to be a success, with players and officials working together to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.