The US Open has been rocked by an explosive controversy after Jannik Sinner, one of the most prominent players in men’s tennis, called for the tournament’s men’s singles final to be replayed. Sinner alleged that a “strong and overwhelming smell of cannabis” during the match severely affected his health and performance, ultimately contributing to his defeat against Carlos Alcaraz. His demands did not stop there—he also urged the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to launch a full-scale investigation into players allegedly using cannabis throughout the tournament, claiming that it compromised the fairness and integrity of the competition.

In a post-match press conference, Sinner appeared visibly frustrated as he recounted the difficulties he faced during the final. “From the very first game, the smell was so strong I could barely focus,” he said. “It wasn’t just distracting—it made me feel dizzy and nauseous. I couldn’t play my best tennis under those conditions.” The 24-year-old Italian insisted that what happened was not merely a matter of environmental discomfort but a violation of the conditions required for a fair contest.

His comments sent shockwaves through the tennis community. Fans flooded social media with mixed reactions—some supported Sinner’s call for a replay, arguing that athletes deserve a clean and safe playing environment, while others dismissed his claims as an excuse for losing to the Spanish star. The hashtag #SinnerReplay began trending within hours, sparking heated debates across sports forums and talk shows.

Sinner’s allegations against fellow competitors were even more incendiary. Without naming specific players, he suggested that cannabis use was not isolated to the stands or surrounding areas but may have involved active participants in the tournament. “If players are using banned substances, whether recreational or performance-related, it needs to be investigated,” he insisted. “The sport needs to maintain its credibility.”

The ITF has yet to issue a formal response to Sinner’s request, but insiders say the governing body is taking the allegations seriously. Random drug testing is standard procedure at Grand Slam events, yet cannabis—while not typically classified as a performance-enhancing drug—remains on the prohibited list for in-competition use under certain conditions. The potential for an official inquiry has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of the season’s final Grand Slam.

The US Open tournament director wasted no time in firing back at Sinner’s accusations. In a strongly worded statement, he denied that any environmental conditions compromised the fairness of the match. “We maintain the highest standards of professionalism and player safety,” he said. “All necessary measures were in place to ensure a fair contest, and no complaints were made during the match itself.” The director’s remarks ignited a fresh wave of online arguments, with Sinner’s supporters accusing officials of dismissing legitimate concerns.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has remained largely silent on the controversy. When approached for comment, the newly crowned champion offered only a brief statement: “I respect Jannik as a competitor, but I’m focused on celebrating my win.” His refusal to engage in the dispute has done little to quell speculation, with some pundits suggesting that silence may be the best strategy to avoid further controversy.

The fallout from Sinner’s claims is already spreading beyond the tennis world. Media outlets are questioning whether cannabis use among spectators should be more tightly regulated at sporting events, particularly those held in locations where the substance is legal. Some have even floated the idea of implementing more advanced air filtration systems for stadiums to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Whether or not Sinner’s demands for a replay or an ITF investigation will be met remains to be seen. What is clear is that his explosive comments have ensured that the 2025 US Open final will be remembered as much for the off-court drama as for the tennis played. With the tennis calendar moving forward, the debate over cannabis, fairness, and player welfare shows no signs of fading.