Ever wondered what it’s like to compete at the US Open? For tennis giants Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, it’s not just about aces and volleys – it’s also about a constant, pungent distraction! They’re speaking out about an unexpected smell pervading Flushing Meadows. What’s got these top players holding their breath?
The venerable grounds of the US Open, typically synonymous with the distinct sounds of serves and cheering crowds, have recently been permeated by an altogether different and more controversial aroma: marijuana. This unexpected scent has prompted candid remarks from two of tennis’s most prominent figures, Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, highlighting an unusual challenge faced by elite athletes at one of sport’s Grand Slams.
Novak Djokovic, fresh off securing his second consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows and advancing to the third round, echoed the sentiments of his colleague during a post-match press conference. The 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged the pervasive nature of the odor, stating, “You can definitely feel it, it’s not like you can’t — actually, you feel it more than anywhere else.” Despite expressing his personal dislike for the “stench,” Djokovic adopted a pragmatic stance, recognizing it as an allowed aspect of the local environment that players must simply accept.
Djokovic’s comments reinforced earlier observations made by Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud. Just days prior, Ruud openly confessed to media outlets that the constant smell of marijuana was the aspect he found most displeasing about competing in New York. He described the experience as “quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just meters away, someone is smoking marijuana,” conveying a sense of helplessness given the legal framework.
The recurring complaints from top tennis players such as Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud underscore a broader discussion about the atmosphere surrounding major sporting events. While the legal status of marijuana varies by location, its presence on the grounds of a prestigious Grand Slam tournament like the US Open introduces a unique environmental factor that can potentially impact player concentration, comfort, and the overall professional setting.
Despite these olfactory distractions, Novak Djokovic has maintained his formidable focus on court. His journey through the initial rounds saw him overcome young local talents, demonstrating his unwavering pursuit of another Grand Slam title. His victories against Learner Tien and Zachary Svajda, while not without moments of challenge, signal his determination to extend his record as the all-time major champion, even amidst the unusual conditions.
Casper Ruud, whose US Open participation concluded earlier than anticipated, also experienced a mixed tournament. After reaching the mixed doubles final, his main objective in the singles draw was cut short by an early second-round defeat. Ruud’s on-court performance, however, did not detract from the validity of his off-court observations regarding the pervasive marijuana odor at the Flushing Meadows venue.
The juxtaposition of professional tennis competition with the widespread presence of marijuana smoke raises questions for tournament organizers and the sport at large. While the US Open is hosted in a city where cannabis is legal, the comfort and focus of professional athletes remain a key concern. The players’ remarks suggest a tension between local liberties and the desire to maintain an optimal competitive environment, a topic that sparks interest in tennis news.
As the tournament progresses and Novak Djokovic prepares for his next challenge against Britain’s Cameron Norrie, the initial player complaints serve as a memorable backdrop to the unfolding Grand Slam drama. The US Open continues to deliver high-stakes tennis, with players like Djokovic navigating not just their opponents, but also the unique and sometimes pungent characteristics of their host city, creating intriguing sports controversy.
