Djokovic and his unexpected rival: the smell of marijuana invades the tennis courts

In the highly competitive world of professional tennis, players need an exceptional level of concentration to perform at their best. But there have been cases where external factors, such as the unusual smell of cannabis, have carried over onto the courts, causing many raised eyebrows and a stir in the tennis community.

The 2015 incident with Novak Djokovic

The affair of Novak Djokovic during 2015 Rogers Cup in Montreal stands out. Ranked No. 1 at the time, Djokovic, in the middle of a crucial semi-final against the French Jérémy 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 made headlines.

Djokovic, known for his concentration and fitness, seemed visibly disturbed by the smell, which he humorously said made him “really enjoy his life around the tennis court.”

Despite this, he won the match but couldn’t help but comment on the strangeness of the situation.

New York 2023: a recurring theme

Fast forward to 2023 in New York, and it appears the problem of cannabis odors in tennis courts has not gone away.

During the US Open, several players complained about the smell of marijuana, particularly around court 17. Notable players such as Maria Sakkari And Alexander Zverev expressed his discomfort, with Zverev humorously comparing the court to “Snoop DoggThe living room.”

The US Tennis Federation, aware of players’ concerns, conducted investigations but found no concrete evidence of cannabis use in the stands.

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

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Cannabis in sport: an evolving perspective

There is growing interest in the role of cannabis in sport, particularly since its legalization in various regions of the world.

Although traditionally associated with laziness and criminal behavior, this perception is changing, with athletes such as Ayesha McGowan And Blake Leeper advocate for a re-evaluation of the regulations on cannabis in sport.

However, scientific studies have shown that even if cannabis (especially THC) does not improve sports performance and could even be detrimental if used before exercise, 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.

Concerning sports regulations, significant progress has been made. Major leagues like the MLB, NBA and NFL have relaxed their cannabis policies, reflecting a broader societal shift in its perception and consumption. 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, illustrated by incidents like those experienced by Djokovic and other players, has highlighted a complex issue that balances societal changes, the well-being of athletes and the sanctity of events sportsmen.

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 The Planteo

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons, edited by El Planteo