Katie Boulter Just Called Out The WILDEST Problem At The US Open — And It's Not What You Think 🎾

Stop scrolling, because this might be the most New York problem we've ever heard — and tennis fans are absolutely LOSING it.

British number one Katie Boulter has just complained that the smell of cannabis is putting her off her game at the US Open. And honestly? We cannot make this up.

According to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old says the distinctive smell wafts onto the practice courts — and even the match courts — from nearby Corona Park, where cannabis is totally legal for adults in New York.

"I'm not a huge fan of it," Boulter told reporters ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Sunday. "It's something that I wouldn't like to smell in the middle of my match. I'm trying to focus and then obviously, it takes you out of the moment and you really don't want to."

And She's NOT The Only One 😤

Here's the thing: this has been a persistent issue at Flushing Meadows for YEARS.

Nick Kyrgios complained in 2022 that a fan was triggering his asthma by smoking courtside, and the umpire literally had to ask the crowd to stop. Greece's Maria Sakkari pointed it out to an umpire mid-match in 2023 (though she clarified it wasn't an excuse for losing, which, respect).

Even Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have been bothered by it in previous years, according to BBC Sport.

And now? Britain's other US Open hopefuls are weighing in too.

The Other Brits Had THOUGHTS ☕

Fran Jones, who qualified on Friday and faces Poland's Magda Linette on Monday, had the most hilarious take.

"Last year I made a joke about that, in my first round, and I said to the guy, 'is this normal?'" Jones said. "Because I was on the stadium, and it's next to the park. He's like, 'yeah'. And I was like: 'Well, no wonder I'm playing pretty well.'"

Icon behaviour, honestly.

Meanwhile, Harriet Dart — who also qualified and will face American Peyton Stearns in round one — was a bit more zen about it: "I mean it's New York. It's New York. I feel like everywhere you walk around, it's everywhere, no? It is what it is. Same for everyone."

The Tea ☕

Here's what you need to know:

• Cannabis is legal in New York for adults 21+, though smoking isn't technically allowed on the US Open grounds
• The smell drifts in from Corona Park, which surrounds the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
• The USTA says it works with local police and parks to reduce smoking on the boundary, but admits "we can't control what takes place off the grounds"

So basically: the players are just going to have to deal with it. Peak New York energy, tbh.

What Happens Now?

Boulter is set to face American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round when the tournament starts on Sunday. And based on her comments, she's going to be very aware of which court she's assigned to.

The question is: will this become the storyline of the entire tournament? Because if a top player loses a big match and blames the vibes in the air, the internet is going to have an ABSOLUTE field day.

We'll be watching. 👀

What do you think — is this a legitimate complaint or just part of playing in New York? Let us know in the comments!

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Sources:

• BBC Sport - Cannabis smell at US Open is distracting - Boulter