The US Open consistently attracts huge crowds and commands respect for its prestige among fans and pundits alike. However, a recurring concern has shadowed the tournament: the pervasive smell of weed drifting through the arena.
Players have repeatedly flagged this issue, most recently by Casper Ruud, who joins a growing list of stars, including Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, in voicing their frustration.
Ruud, seeded 12th at the prestigious New York Major, kicked off his campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-2, 7-6(5) victory over Sebastian Ofner. The Norwegian is determined to make a deep run, but his path faces complications beyond tough opponents.
Spectators smoking marijuana in the arena create an unwelcome distraction for players trying to compete at the highest level.
Why Has the Marijuana Smell Become Such an Issue for Casper Ruud and Nick Kyrgios?
Several tennis players have voiced frustration over the pervasive smell of marijuana, and Ruud proved no exception. Ahead of his first-round match, the Norwegian remarked that the smell of cannabis represents the worst part of competing in New York.
He explained that the situation becomes especially challenging for players who, after exhausting matches, must continue breathing in the smoke.
“For me, this is the worst thing about New York. 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,” he told Norwegian media.
Casper Ruud says his least favorite thing about playing at the U.S. Open is the smell of marijuana
“For me, this is the worst thing about New York. 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… pic.twitter.com/CiM1qGvdLi
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
Cannabis has been legal in New York since March 31, 2021, for adults aged 21 and above to purchase, possess, and consume. Despite this legal framework, Ruud reinforced his frustration over its presence during his US Open press conference.
“I’m not a big fan of the smell of weed when you walk around. No, but seriously, I’m not even joking here, because its, every corner or every street, you smell it by almost anywhere you go,” he said.
😂 https://t.co/yOchz5i44I pic.twitter.com/VFIikBHZqb
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) August 25, 2025
Ruud joins a growing list of players who have voiced their frustration over the smell of cannabis in New York. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios, who never hesitates to speak his mind, experienced similar issues.
Back at the 2022 US Open, the Canberran appeared visibly bothered by the wafting scent of weed on Louis Armstrong Court and complained to umpire Jaume Campistol about the situation.
After that match, Kyrgios admitted the smell proved especially disruptive, aggravating his asthma and making it harder for him to maintain his pace on the court.
“People don’t know [it but] I’m a heavy asthmatic. When I’m running side to side, I’m struggling to breathe, [so it is] probably not something I want to be breathing in between points,” he said.
Which Other Players Have Complained About Marijuana Smoke at the US Open?
The issue extends far beyond just two players, with several others raising objections to the smell in recent years. Current World No. 3 Alexander Zverev proved particularly blunt, even invoking renowned American rapper Snoop Dogg in his complaint about the odor on Court 17 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“Court 17 definitely smells like Snoop Dogg’s living room. Oh my God, it’s everywhere. The whole court smells like weed,” he said during the 2023 US Open.
MORE: Nick Kyrgios Gets Honest About His Career: ‘I Don’t Think There’s Much Tennis Left’
Greek star Maria Sakkari also acknowledged the unavoidable odors at the open-air venue. She noted that smells like food, cigarettes, and weed remain beyond control due to the nearby park, where people can do whatever they want.
In that same US Open edition, Latvian star and former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko also complained about the lingering smell of weed. With concerns mounting over Flushing Meadows’ odors, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the issue for the players’ sake.
