World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted play during her third-round US Open victory on Friday to complain to the chair umpire about a strong smell of marijuana wafting across the court.
The incident occurred early in the first set while Sabalenka was serving against Kamilla Rakhimova at Louis Armstrong Stadium.Leading 30-0 in the third game, the top seed paused mid-service motion and approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to address the odor drifting from the stands.
"Someone is smoking weed," Sabalenka was heard telling the official."Do you mind? Because it's so strong." Tournament staff and security were alerted to investigate the stands, though officials were unable to pinpoint the exact source of the smell.Pungent odors have become a frequent topic at Flushing Meadows in recent years, as cannabis use is legal in New York State, though smoking remains strictly prohibited inside tournament grounds.
Despite the brief distraction, Sabalenka maintained her focus to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Rakhimova, advancing to the round of 16 without dropping a set.The two-time defending champion hit 10 aces and saved all break points faced during the one-hour-and-29-minute contest. Addressing the moment during her post-match press conference, the Belarusian took a lighthearted tone while asking spectators to be mindful of the players.
"I was like, guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can," Sabalenka said with a laugh."But please, to not do it around the tennis courts. It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best." When asked if the swirling wind in the stadium contributed to the scent, she joked: "If they're gonna keep smoking, I might get high."
Aryna Sabalenka Halts Match Over Strong Marijuana Smell in Stands
Sabalenka Reacts to Marijuana Smell at US Open
The incident highlights a broader conversation around fan behavior and court etiquette at this year's tournament, following complaints from other players regarding loud crowds, paid influencers, and court-side distractions. Sabalenka, who is pursuing her third consecutive US Open title and aiming to retain her World No. 1 ranking, will next face American Taylor Townsend in the fourth round.
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