Djokovic's Cannabis Complaint at US Open
Novak Djokovic is once again in the spotlight, but this time for a rather unusual reason at the US Open. The Serbian tennis star, who has reached the third round of the tournament, has raised a complaint about the strong smell of cannabis wafting around the venue. Despite his discomfort, the tournament organizers are unable to act on his concerns due to local laws permitting cannabis use.
After overcoming physical challenges to defeat Learner Tien in the first round and securing a comeback victory against Zachary Svajda in the second round, Djokovic expressed his frustrations about the cannabis smell. "You can definitely feel it; it's not like you can't," Djokovic remarked. His comments highlight a growing concern among players about the pervasive nature of cannabis odors around the tournament grounds.
New York State law allows adults over 21 to possess up to three ounces of cannabis, leading to a situation where the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and US Open organizers have limited authority to regulate its presence outside the venue. Although there is a strict no-smoking policy within the tournament, the smell of marijuana has been reported to drift into the competition area, creating discomfort for players like Djokovic.
Djokovic isn't alone in his sentiments. Casper Ruud, who faced elimination in the second round, also expressed frustration about the cannabis smell during the mixed doubles tournament. "For me, this is the worst thing about New York," Ruud stated. "It's quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just meters away someone is smoking marijuana." Like Djokovic, Ruud acknowledges that there is little they can do unless the law changes.
As Djokovic prepares to face Cameron Norrie in the next round, he remains focused on his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title. Despite the distractions around him, his determination to succeed on the court remains unwavering. The unconventional complaint serves as a reminder of the unique challenges athletes face in different environments, especially in a bustling city like New York.
