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Katie Boulter says cannabis smell wafting onto US Open courts is ruining her concentration

Katie Boulter, who has complained that cannabis smoke from a nearby park is disrupting her concentration at the US Open, is ranked 60th in the world.
Katie Boulter, who has complained that cannabis smoke from a nearby park is disrupting her concentration at the US Open, is ranked 60th in the world.
Flushing Meadows hosts the US Open main draw today, where New York law permits cannabis use for those aged 21 and over but bans smoking on USTA grounds.
Flushing Meadows hosts the US Open main draw today, where New York law permits cannabis use for those aged 21 and over but bans smoking on USTA grounds.

Katie Boulter, Britain's top-ranked player, says cannabis smoke drifting in from nearby Corona Park is disrupting her concentration on the practice and match courts at Flushing Meadows. Marijuana is permitted in New York for anyone aged 21 and over, but it is prohibited within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, leaving officials unable to act on the smell. Boulter, ranked world number 60, opens her campaign on Sunday against American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee.

'I'm trying to focus and then it takes you out of the moment — you don't need distractions,' Boulter said.

Fran Jones and Harriet Dart also raised the issue; Dart shrugged it off: 'It's New York — same for everyone.'

Djokovic, Zverev, Kyrgios and Sakkari have all previously complained; the USTA says it cannot control what happens off-site.

Moretennisuptodate.comKatie Boulter joins growing list of players bothered by cannabis smell: "I did smell it during my match”The GuardianKeep off the grass: British tennis players complain of marijuana smell at US Openespn.comBritish hopefuls at US Open say marijuana smell is 'distracting' - ESPNThe IndependentBritish number one among players to complain about cannabis smell at US Openrevsportz.inKatie Boulter Joins US Open Cannabis Complaints as Players Seek Focus Ahead of Main Draw - Sports News Portalwionews.comTennis players raise concerns over cannabis smell at US Open 2026 - WIONbbc.comKatie Boulter says cannabis smell at US Open is distractingthetimes.comSmell of cannabis at US Open is distracting us, say players - The Timesmirror.co.ukBritish star Katie Boulter complains about cannabis smell at US Open
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