The US Open is underway in New York City, and tennis players and fans alike are buzzing with excitement. All except one, apparently. Casper Rudd, a 26-year-old Norwegian player ranked No. 12 in the world, complained about the city’s lingering weed smell, saying it affects him while he plays. Fans are split on how to feel about his comments.
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As reported by the New York Post, Rudd griped after his weekend doubles matches, saying, “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.”
Smoking and vaping are banned at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—the stadium in Queens in which the US Open is held—but workers told the Post that they see people consuming weed on the regular. According to them, however, they weren’t told to stop them.
Some fans agreed with Rudd. Deb Allen, 72, thinks New York cannabis lovers should find respectful alternatives. “Find some gummies. Be kind. Who wants to smell everyone’s smoke?”
Far more of the city’s residents who spoke to the Post told Rudd to suck it up in some way, shape, or form. After all, weed has been legal in New York since 2021, and New Yorkers are proud of it.
“See you at the French Open. Don’t stop our weed. We don’t f—king care. We are New Yorkers,” said Chantal Bishop, 52, a Crown Heights resident. She added that she would find out when he’s playing so she can be sure to smoke in the stands.
Another fan sarcastically added, “Has he never played tennis outside before?”
Rudd’s comments come about a month after Mayor Eric Adams claimed that he wants New York City to be the “cannabis capital of the globe,” by returning weed revenue to business owners instead of the government. Judging by the reactions to the tennis star’s complaints, New Yorkers are also buying into the idea of the city being a cannabis epicenter.
Tennis is a very etiquette-based sport, having many unspoken rules for crowd conduct. New Yorkers are showing that they have no problem shaking the old expectations up, especially if it means protecting a right they fought so hard to obtain.
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As 69-year-old Shelton Stone said to the Post, “Get over it.”