Novak Djokovic raises US Open complaint but officials won't listen to Serb

Novak Djokovic has made a complaint about the US Open but officials will be powerless to act on the Serb's advice. He has sailed through the opening two rounds in New York, beating American players in both of his matches. Djokovic cruised to a straight-sets victory over Learner Tien in his first match before coming from behind to beat Zachary Svajda in the second round.

He will go up against Cameron Norrie in his next outing on Friday, where the Brit will be hoping to pull off an upset. While it has been a solid campaign for Djokovic thus far, he is unhappy with one aspect of playing at Flushing Meadows. Speaking after his victory over Svajda, he complained about the 'stench' of cannabis wafting around the grounds.

"You can definitely feel it, it's not like you can't," said Djokovic. "Actually, you feel it more than anywhere else! Some people are more bothered, some less.

"I'm not a fan of that smell either, actually stench. But it's allowed here, and somehow you just have to accept it the way it is. You feel it everywhere, from practice to the match... that's just how it is."

US Open bosses are powerless to act on Djokovic's complaints, given that cannabis is perfectly legal in the state of New York. Adults over 21 are allowed to possess up to three ounces of the drug, or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis, for personal use.

Djokovic is not the only player to have complained about the strong smell, with Casper Ruud also being left frustrated during last week's mixed doubles tournament.

He said: "For me, this is the worst thing about New York. The smell is everywhere, even here on the courts. We have to accept it but it's not my favourite smell.

"It's quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just metres away someone is smoking marijuana. We can't do anything about it unless the law is reversed, but I have strong doubts that will happen."

Smoking and vaping is banned on US Open courts but those outside the grounds are free to puff away, leading to the pungent smell being detected throughout the city.

Three years ago, Nick Kyrgios complained about the skunky aroma during his match against Benjamin Bonzi. He doubled down in his post-match press conference, urging those who partake to think about people with asthma and breathing difficulties.

"People don't know [it but] I'm a heavy asthmatic," said the Aussie. "When I'm running side to side, I'm struggling to breathe, [so it is] probably not something I want to be breathing in between points."

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter.