Djokovic: The U.S. Open courts are filled with a strong smell of smoke, but there's nothing to be done since it's legal here.

After reaching the third round in men's singles, Djokovic shared his annoyance with the smoke lingering around the U.S. Open courts. It's worth mentioning that he isn't the first athlete to raise this issue; several players spoke out about it before him.

“You can definitely sense it. It's not that you can't — actually, you feel it more here than elsewhere! I also dislike the smell because it’s really unpleasant. But smoking is allowed here, so you have to accept its presence,” Djokovic said during the post-match press conference.

Djokovic’s second-round match was the first day session on the main court. Although smoking is supposed to be banned on the main court, he admitted that he still noticed the smoke smell while playing.

The Serbian was quite unhappy about this but understood that the organizers have no control over it. He stated, “Some people care more, some less. From training to matches, you can smell it everywhere... It is what it is, it’s allowed here, and you have to accept it.”

Djokovic is not the first player to raise this concern; earlier, Ruud also admitted to facing the same issue during mixed doubles matches.

“For me, this is the worst thing about New York. The smell is everywhere, even on the court. We have to tolerate it, but it’s not a scent I like. Playing is exhausting, and having someone smoking weed just a few meters away is really annoying. Unless the law changes, there’s nothing we can do, and I highly doubt that will happen,” Ruud said.

In fact, the issue of smoke odors at the U.S. Open is not new. Since the legalization of marijuana in New York in 2021, multiple players have complained about the pervasive smell on the courts.

At the 2022 U.S. Open, Kyrgios complained about the marijuana smell: “Shouldn't there be warnings against this? That’s definitely not food smell. Breathing is already hard when running side to side, and between points you shouldn’t have to inhale that stuff.” Zverev even joked afterward, “Court 17 definitely feels like Snoop Dogg’s living room. My goodness! The smell is everywhere; the whole court reeks of marijuana.”

It is reported that smoking is actually prohibited at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center where the U.S. Open takes place, but there are no restrictions in the nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Therefore, when the wind blows, the marijuana smell can drift into the stadium and affect the players.

Additionally, according to New York state law, adults aged 21 and over can legally possess up to 3 ounces (about 85 grams) of marijuana and up to 24 grams of concentrated marijuana (such as oils or edibles) for personal use. Thus, the USTA and U.S. Open organizers have no authority to regulate marijuana outside the venue.

On social media, fans have expressed mixed opinions about the marijuana odor issue at the U.S. Open. Some commented, “If the smell is really as strong as the players say, then the U.S. Open should do something! Players shouldn’t be forced to inhale so much secondhand smoke during matches.” Others urged, “New York law may allow marijuana, but the playing environment for athletes should be protected. Organizers need to find a solution.”

However, some fans hold different views: some believe this is just part of New York’s atmosphere, not only at the U.S. Open but everywhere in the city, so it’s something that can’t be changed. If players don’t like it, they can compete elsewhere.

“Marijuana is legal, and people have the right to use it in designated areas. Players should focus on their matches instead of complaining about legal activities,” one fan commented.

Djokovic will play his third-round match tomorrow at 7:00 AM Beijing time on the main court against French player Norrie. Can he overcome the distraction of the smoke smell once again? Let’s wait and see!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)