Nick Kyrgios complains of marijuana smell during US Open second round win
Updated
Updated 8:49 am PT: The smell of marijuana permeated the air at the U.S. Open following a 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3 win over Lukas Rosol on Sunday.
The smell of marijuana was detected several times during the tournament, prompting an internal investigation into the U.S. Open’s anti-drug policy and an apology from USTA Chief Medical Officer J. Richard Geller.
The smell was reportedly the result of the players not washing their hands properly after using the bathroom, according to USTA spokesperson Lauren Sager.
“As a result of the initial assessment, we are reviewing the anti-drug policies of the U.S. Open,” she wrote in an email.
The smell was reportedly the result of the players not washing their hands properly after using the bathroom, according to USTA spokesperson Lauren Sager.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Open Tennis Association told ESPN that the players were asked to take a hand and glove test following a complaint they smelled like marijuana. The players didn’t pass the test and were asked to wash their hands.
“The hands and arms are used for many recreational activities throughout the year including eating, writing, and working at a keyboard,” USTA spokesperson Lauren Sager said in an email.
“The U.S. Open’s anti-smoking policy only addresses cigarette butts and other types of tobacco products, not the type of marijuana cigarettes are typically referred to as, e-cigarettes.”
That said, there is no expectation that players will be tested for marijuana.
Kyrgios said in an interview that he became aware of the smell and asked about it, and he said the first test of his own turned up positive.
“It was the first time I felt like I was being judged on something I was just doing,”