Boulter Blames Cannabis Smell for Distraction at US Open

British world‑number‑one tennis player Katie Boulter has publicly expressed concern that the scent of cannabis vapour at the US Open is distracting her from her performance. The 26‑year‑old, who has recently been ranked No. 1 in the world, said the smell is “putting her off her game” and that it interferes with her focus during matches. She made the comments during a post‑match interview in New York, where the tournament is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The issue has arisen in the context of cannabis’ evolving legal status in the United States, with several states and cities allowing its recreational use. While the US Open itself prohibits any form of drug use on court, players have reported that vapour from nearby venues and public spaces can drift onto the playing surface and into the air. Boulter’s remarks have prompted a brief statement from the United States Tennis Association, which reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a drug‑free environment for all competitors.

Boulter’s comments come as she prepares to defend her ranking in a tournament that attracts the world’s top talent. The British star will face a series of challenging opponents in the coming weeks, and she has indicated that she will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure it does not affect her performance.