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2h ago

Djokovic Decries Cannabis Odor at US Open as Pervasive Issue

Organizers say state marijuana legalization limits what they can enforce at the open-air venue.

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Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Zachary Svajda of the U.S.

Overview

  • After his second-round win over Zachary Svajda, Novak Djokovic said a cannabis "stench" was noticeable across the US Open grounds from practice through matches.
  • Hindustan Times reports that Djokovic filed a complaint with tournament officials after advancing to the third round.
  • The USTA says it enforces a no-smoking policy inside Flushing Meadows but cannot police legal cannabis use off-site under New York's 2021 law.
  • Casper Ruud raised similar concerns earlier in the tournament, echoing prior complaints in past years from Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari and Alexander Zverev.
  • Djokovic acknowledged marijuana use is permitted in New York and said players ultimately have to accept the conditions during competition.