The distinctive smell of cannabis has once again drawn attention at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the US Open, as its proximity to Corona Park in Queens, New York, allows the aroma to permeate much of the venue. Corona Park, a 365-hectare public space adjacent to the tennis center, permits legal cannabis use for adults aged 21 and over, leading to a lingering scent that some players have found distracting.
Several players competing in this year’s tournament have commented on the issue, with mixed reactions. Francesca Jones, the British No. 3 who recently qualified for the main draw, described the smell as “really bad” and among the worst she has experienced at the event. Despite this, Jones took a lighthearted view, noting she joked about the cannabis smell last year and that it did not significantly hinder her performance. She also remarked that living in Barcelona, where cannabis odor is common, made her less sensitive to it.
Katie Boulter, another British player, expressed less tolerance. Newly married to Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur, she stated she was not a “huge fan” of the odor, particularly during matches where concentration is critical. Boulter acknowledged past complaints from other players about certain courts being more affected but said she had not yet encountered the problem directly this year.
Harriet Dart, who qualified by defeating compatriot Heather Watson, acknowledged the presence of the scent but was less perturbed, suggesting that it is part of the New York environment and affects everyone equally.
The issue is not new at the US Open. Past players, including Swiss former champion Martina Hingis and Greece’s Maria Sakkari, have previously mentioned being distracted by cannabis smoke. Australian Nick Kyrgios also openly criticized the smell during a match in 2022. This pattern highlights a recurring challenge stemming from the venue’s location next to a public park where smoking is legally permitted.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) maintains a strict no-smoking policy within the tennis center grounds and continues efforts to enforce it. The organization has emphasized that while smoking is legal within Corona Park, it is not allowed on park property that includes the tennis center. The USTA security and guest services teams work in coordination with the New York Police Department and the Parks Department to reduce smoking near the tennis center’s boundaries. According to the USTA, these measures have contributed to a decline in on-site smoking incidents, though the residual smell from outside the grounds remains difficult to control.
As the tournament progresses, players and officials alike continue to navigate the balance between the legal status of cannabis in New York and the need to maintain a focused, distraction-free competitive environment on the courts.