A curious controversy has taken center stage at the US Open, adding an unexpected twist to the renowned tennis event. Over the last two days, an unmistakable scent of cannabis smoke has wafted through Court 17, evoking a range of reactions from players and officials. This has caught the attention of top players Maria Sakkari, Alexander Zverev, and Wimbledon champion, Marketa Vondrousova.
Maria Sakkari didn’t hesitate to raise concerns about the lingering marijuana odor during her match earlier this week. Though she managed to stay focused on her game, the pervasive scent couldn’t be ignored. Alexander Zverev, after his win agreed with Sakkari’s observation. He quipped, “Court 17 definitely smells like Snoop Dogg’s living room. Oh my God, it’s everywhere. The whole court smells like weed.”
The proximity of Court 17 to a public park appears to be the primary source. Noise and various smells often waft in from the adjacent park, posing a unique challenge for organizers. Sakkari, acknowledging the difficulty of addressing the issue, commented, “Sometimes you smell food… sometimes you smell weed…it’s something we cannot control…There’s a park behind. People can do whatever they want.”
“Parece la sala de Snoop Dogg”😂🚬
Alexander Zverev también se quejo por el fuerte olor a marihuana en las canchas aledañas el Corona Park#USOpen pic.twitter.com/eybD92FggS
— Iván Aguilar (@ivabianconero) August 30, 2023
Vondrousova, who breezed through her recent match on the court, offered her take on the situation. “I smelled it actually today also. You smell it a lot. I think it’s just Court 17,” she opined, noting the court’s proximity to the park. As the mystery surrounding the source of the scent persisted, the United States Tennis Association launched its own inquiry to pinpoint its origin.
While speculation circled around the park’s potential involvement, conclusive evidence remained elusive. In the midst of reactions from players, the lingering cannabis aroma has etched its mark on this year’s U.S. Open. It’s a distinctive mix of New York’s vibrant culture and the world of professional sports, a blend that is as unforgettable as the city itself.
Players’ objections to marijuana odor at the US Open prompt scrutiny
Amidst the ongoing competition at the US Open, a distinctive scent has sparked intrigue – the unmistakable aroma of marijuana enveloping Court 17. Notably, New York’s legal stance on cannabis adds a layer of complexity. While the exact source of the scent remains elusive, the court’s reputation for this pungent odor has players and officials questioning its origin.
In this context, the legal possession and usage rules surrounding marijuana in New York come into play. Adults aged 21 and older are allowed to possess up to three ounces of cannabis or up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use. Moreover, they are permitted to smoke or vape cannabis in areas where tobacco smoking is allowed.
Honestly, ever since they legalized, it’s become an issue. People shouldn’t be smoking in public. I’m glad she didn’t use it as an excuse. It’s been a tough year.
— Derek (@DFlex2123) August 28, 2023
As players like Maria Sakkari and Alexander Zverev voiced their unease over the intrusive smell, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) initiated its investigation. Despite speculations, the USTA’s inquiry revealed “no evidence” of weed smoking during the matches. Many tennis fans expressed their concerns on social media.
The smell of weed can be so annoying, and to smell it at the us open could be disturbing for any athlete-:))😩😳👎🏿
— Dawn (@Dawn91273141) August 29, 2023
In the country, cannabis remains federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act, of 1970. However, the landscape is far from uniform. The majority of states have legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis use, despite federal restrictions. The clash between federal and state laws adds a layer of nuance to the Court 17 scent mystery.
As the US Open progresses, the delicate balance between the permissible use of cannabis and its unexpected intrusion into the sporting arena highlights the evolving landscape of marijuana legislation and its impact on public spaces.