Every August, the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows crackles with anticipation. Grand Slam glory, championship dreams, and New York’s electric energy combine to create tennis magic.
But there’s another element drifting through the courts that players aren’t celebrating, and it’s becoming impossible to ignore.
What Did Novak Djokovic Say About the Marijuana Smell at Flushing Meadows?
Novak Djokovic joined the growing chorus of tennis stars addressing the persistent marijuana odor that has become an unwelcome fixture at the US Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion didn’t mince words when discussing the situation that has affected multiple players throughout recent tournaments.
“You can smell it, it’s not like you can’t smell it, you can smell it more than anywhere else! Some people are bothered more, some people less, I’m not a fan of that smell, actually that stench,” Djokovic said. The Serbian tennis legend acknowledged the reality of competing in New York, adding, “But it’s allowed here, and you kind of have to accept it as it is. You can smell it everywhere, from practice to matches… It is what it is.”
His comments came during his campaign at the 2025 US Open, where he advanced to the third round after defeating American qualifier Zachary Svajda. Djokovic expressed some frustration with his game during the tournament, saying he was “trying to solve the riddle” to find his best form.
The issue stems from New York’s cannabis legalization laws. Cannabis has been legal in New York for the past few years and is available for purchase and consumption by anyone above 21 years of age. While smoking remains banned at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the smell drifts in from the nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park and surrounding public areas where consumption is permitted.
Which Other Tennis Stars Have Complained About This Issue?
Djokovic’s remarks echo complaints from several other tennis stars who have spoken out about the marijuana smell at the US Open. Norwegian player Casper Ruud recently called it “the worst thing about New York,” explaining his frustration with the persistent odor affecting match conditions.
“For me, this is the worst thing about New York. The smell is everywhere, even here on the courts,” Ruud told Norwegian media. “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.”
😠@ NRK (Norwegian state broadcaster) coming up with this story at the start of US Open.
“That’s the biggest downside of New York, that the [cannabis] smell is everywhere. Even here at the stadium. You just have to accept it, but it’s not your favorite smell,” says Casper. pic.twitter.com/nTFjbkhUKl
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) August 24, 2025
The complaints extend beyond this year’s tournament. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios previously raised similar concerns during the 2022 US Open, when he complained to the chair umpire about the marijuana smell affecting his performance. He claimed that he is “heavy asthmatic,” and struggled during the match because of the smell.
Meanwhile, German player Alexander Zverev made headlines in 2023 with his playful description of Court 17, saying it “definitely smells like Snoop Dogg’s living room.” Greek star Maria Sakkari also voiced her displeasure about the cannabis odor during her 2023 first-round match, telling the chair umpire that the smell was affecting her concentration.
Following his first and second-round wins, Djokovic is now set to face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in his quest for his 25th major title. The Serbian star hopes that the atmospheric and aromatic conditions will allow him to focus solely on tennis as he continues his championship pursuit.
