At the US Open Court 17 in the words of one former finalist ‘definitely smells like Snoop Dog’s living room.’
Alexander Zverev is one of a series of players who have commented about the smell during this year’s tournament. Court 17 is situated in the southeast corner of the grounds and is the fourth-largest venue at the US Open in terms of capacity. During the first two days of this year’s tournament, some of those playing on the court have noticed a strong aroma of weed.
Maria Sakkari was the first to point it out during her first round match against Rebeka Masarova, which the Greek lost in straight sets. During one of the changeovers, she told the umpire that the smell was something she previously noticed whilst practicing on the court leading up to her main draw match.
“It wasn’t the smell that affected the scoring,” said Sakkari.
“It was just a comment because it was smelling quite a lot, but it has nothing to do with the match.”
There is no conclusive reason as to why the smell of cannabis has become so prominent at the tournament but one of the most likely explanations is a park that is located nearby. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), has told the Associated Press that they have not found anybody smoking pot on the grounds.
“Oh my God, it’s everywhere. The whole court smells like weed.” Zverev said after beating Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets.
In New York, it is legal for adults aged 21 or older to use cannabis. Under the law, members of the public are allowed to carry three ounces of cannabis flower and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. Although smoking the substance is still prohibited in many public places, including state-owned parks.
However, it appears that the no-smoking ban in the park near Court 17 is one that some members of the public are not following.
“You smell it a lot. I think it’s just Court 17. That court is so far away, it’s almost in the park. I think it’s coming from the park,” Wimbledon champion Market Vondrousova commented.
It isn’t the first time that a player has complained about smelling weed at the US Open. Last year Nick Kyrgios complained to the umpire that he saw somebody in the crowd smoking and could smell it during his second round match that took place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The US Open is a smoke-free zone but the organisers have no control over the rules concerning the area around it.
