A US Open star complained of a lingering smell of cannabis present on the courts at this year’s event.
Playing alongside recently-crowned Wimbledon women’s singles champion Iga Swiatek, Norwegian Casper Ruud reached the finals of the mixed doubles event at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre.
And while the two-time French Open finalist was ultimately unable to secure victory as their team was defeated by the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, Ruud was left frustrated by non-sporting matters.
Speaking following his final defeat, Ruud insisted that the consistent smell of cannabis was his least favourite part about competing in the Big Apple.
‘For me, this is the worst thing about New York,’ he told Norwegian media.
‘The smell is everywhere, even here on the courts. We have to accept it, but it’s not my favorite smell.
‘It’s quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just meters away, someone is smoking marijuana.
‘We can’t do anything about it unless the law is reversed, but I have strong doubts that will happen.’
In 2021 the New York State Legislature approved legislation to legalise cannabis for recreational use in the state.
While smoking is prohibited at the venue for the 145th edition of the final Grand Slam of the year, cannabis use is permitted in the state is permitted wherever tobacco use is allowed.
In 2021 Maria Sakkari complained that the smell of cannabis was affecting her concentration during a match with Rebeka Masarova at Flushing Meadows and complained to the presiding umpire.
