Djokovic And His Unexpected Rival: Smell Of Marijuana Invades Tennis Courts

In the highly competitive world of professional tennis, players need an exceptional concentration level to perform at their best. But, there have been instances where external factors, like the unusual scent of cannabis, have wafted into the courts, causing more than a few raised eyebrows and a stir in the tennis community.

The 2015 Incident With Novak Djokovic

The case of Novak Djokovic during the 2015 Rogers Cup in Montreal stands out. Ranked No. 1 at the time, Djokovic, amidst a crucial semifinal against France's Jeremy Chardy, complained about an unfamiliar smell in the stands.

"Someone is smoking weed, I can smell it, I’m getting dizzy," he remarked, a statement that grabbed headlines.

Djokovic, known for his focus and physical fitness, seemed visibly perturbed by the smell, which he humorously suggested was making someone "really enjoy their life around the tennis court."

Despite this, he went on to win the match but couldn’t help commenting on the oddity of the situation.

New York 2023: A Recurring Theme

Fast forward to 2023 in New York, and it seems the issue of cannabis odors in tennis courts hasn't dissipated.

During the U.S. Open, several players complained about the smell of marijuana, particularly around Court 17. Notable players such as Maria Sakkari and Alexander Zverev expressed their discomfort, with Zverev humorously likening the court to "Snoop Dogg’s living room."

The United States Tennis Association, conscious of the players' concerns, conducted investigations but found no concrete evidence of cannabis use in the stands.

The prevailing theory was that the smell drifted from the neighboring park, highlighting the challenges of controlling external factors in open-air stadiums.

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Cannabis In Sports: An Evolving Perspective

The role of cannabis in sports has been a topic of increasing interest, especially with its legalization in various parts of the world.

While traditionally associated with laziness and criminal behavior, this perception is changing, with athletes such as Ayesha McGowan and Blake Leeper advocating for a reevaluation of cannabis regulations in sports.

Scientific studies, however, have shown that while cannabis (specifically THC) might not enhance athletic performance and could even be detrimental if used before exercising, its non-psychoactive component, CBD, has potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Yet, these findings require further clinical research to be conclusively applied to athletes.

Regarding sports regulations, significant strides have been made. Major leagues like MLB, NBA, and NFL have relaxed their policies on cannabis, reflecting a broader societal shift in its perception and use. Personalities such as Kevin Durant and Al Harrington have openly supported the therapeutic use of cannabis, with Harrington even founding Viola, a medicinal cannabis company.

The intersection of cannabis and professional sports, exemplified by incidents like those experienced by Djokovic and other players, underscored a complex issue that balances societal changes, athlete welfare and the sanctity of sporting events.

As regulations evolve and research deepens, the role of cannabis in sports will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of significant interest and debate.

Article via El Planteo

DON'T MISS! Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: California, Feb. 22 in Culver City, California, or Benzinga Cannabis Capital Market on April 16 and 17 in Hollywood, Florida.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, edited by El Planteo