‘Hash court’ and high drama: how weed became the US Open’s new distraction

The article discusses the growing presence of marijuana at the US Open tennis tournament, which has long been known for its lively and chaotic atmosphere. The tournament, which is held in New York City, has always been characterized by a vibrant crowd, celebrity appearances, and the sounds of the nearby subway and air traffic. In recent years, the use of marijuana has become a noticeable part of the US Open experience, with the pungent odor drifting across the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Players have started to accept the presence of marijuana as a regular feature of the event, treating it as just another aspect of the tournament's unique character. The article suggests that the US Open's embrace of marijuana reflects the shifting cultural landscape around the drug in the United States, as more states legalize its use. The tournament, known for its unruly and lively atmosphere, has become a stage where this changing social dynamic is playing out.