Story perspectives

Boulter Blames Cannabis Odor for US Open Distractions

8/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Player Katie Boulter says cannabis odor distracts her during her US Open first-round match.
Boulter, world No.60, faces American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in round one.
Smoke drifts from Corona Park despite New York’s 2021 legalization of adult cannabis.
Tennis players Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari and Casper Ruud also complained.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) says it works with police but cannot control off-site smoking.

History

Historical Context

In March 2021 New York enacted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, legalizing adult-use cannabis and establishing a regulated market across the state. The law permitted possession of up to three ounces per adult and authorized up to six home-grown plants, projected to generate $400 million annually. Today, Katie Boulter and stars such as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev complain that lingering smoke from Corona Park disrupts US Open matches. The clash highlights how recent cannabis reforms can strain event security, prompting the USTA to coordinate with police and reconsider venue policies.

1 of 2

Story summary

Player Katie Boulter says cannabis odor distracts her during her US Open first-round match.
Boulter, world No.60, faces American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in round one.
Smoke drifts from Corona Park despite New York’s 2021 legalization of adult cannabis.
Tennis players Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari and Casper Ruud also complained.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) says it works with police but cannot control off-site smoking.

1 / 2