Casper Ruud highlights strong marijuana smell at US Open
- Casper Ruud highlighted the pervasive smell of cannabis during his stay in New York for the US Open mixed doubles event.
- He noted that the smell was distracting and made it difficult to focus while competing.
- Ruud's comments reflect a growing concern among players regarding the impact of legal cannabis on sports events.
In August 2025, during the US Open mixed doubles event in New York, Norway's Casper Ruud expressed dissatisfaction with the strong smell of cannabis that was prevalent throughout the venue, including on the courts. This issue impacted not only Ruud but has been a recurring complaint among various players in previous years, including Maria Sakkari, who raised similar concerns during her matches. Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in New York since 2021, many athletes find the odor distracting and detrimental to their performance, particularly during high-intensity matches. Ruud and his partner, Iga Swiatek, finished as runners-up in the mixed doubles competition, losing in the final. The Norwegian has faced a challenging season, managing only a single title at the Madrid Open and experiencing a decline in his recent performances, particularly in singles events. Ruud's remarks about the smell of marijuana highlight an uncomfortable intersection between the sport and the changing laws regarding recreational substances, pressing for a discussion on how such laws affect professional athletes during competitions.