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Katie Boulter Distracted by Cannabis Smell at US Open Courts
Herz — Sport Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
British tennis player Katie Boulter says the cannabis smell on the US Open practice courts distracts her and has affected her during matches. The world No. 60 faces American Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round. According to the BBC, the smell drifts from neighboring Corona Park and remains a persistent issue at the tournament. Officials work with local police and parks authorities to reduce tobacco use near the venue's borders.
- Katie Boulter says she is distracted by the smell of cannabis on the courts.
- The smell appears to come from neighboring Corona Park.
- Several players have reported the same issue at previous editions.
- Smoking remains prohibited on the US Open grounds.
What We Know
Katie Boulter says the cannabis smell on the US Open practice courts distracts her. It has affected her during matches.
The British player is ranked 60th in the world. She faces American Carol Young Suh Lee, who received a wild card invitation, in the first round.
The final Grand Slam tournament of the season begins Sunday at Flushing Meadows in New York.
The Smell From the Neighboring Park
According to the BBC, the smell reaches the courts from adjacent Corona Park. The issue persists at the US Open.
In New York, cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older. However, smoking is prohibited on the US Open grounds.
The United States Tennis Association, which organizes the US Open, works with local police and the parks department.
It seeks to reduce tobacco use at the venue's borders. It notes that it does not control what happens outside the tennis center.
Several Players Already Bothered
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are among the players who have been bothered by this smell at previous editions.
- 2022Nick Kyrgios says a spectator smoking near the court triggers his asthma. The umpire asks the crowd to refrain.
- 2023Maria Sakkari reports the smell to an umpire during a set. She later clarifies she is not using it as an excuse for her loss.
Fran Jones and Harriet Dart, both qualified on Friday, also noticed the cannabis smell at the venue.
The British Players' Next Matches
Fran Jones begins her tournament Monday against Polish player Magda Linette.
Harriet Dart defeated fellow British player Heather Watson in qualifying. She now faces American Peyton Stearns in the first round.
Katie Boulter reached the third round of the US Open in 2023.
FAQ
What is Katie Boulter's complaint about practice conditions?
She says the cannabis smell on the practice courts distracts her and has affected her during matches.
Where does the reported smell come from?
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