Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Over Strong Cannabis Smell
Aryna Sabalenka US Open campaign took an unexpected turn during her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova when the world No. 1 briefly stopped play to complain about a strong smell of cannabis drifting across Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The unusual interruption happened early in the match as Sabalenka was serving. The two-time defending champion appeared distracted, stopped before continuing the point and approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to raise the issue.
“Someone is smoking weed,” Sabalenka told the umpire, adding that the smell was particularly strong.
Despite the unexpected distraction, Sabalenka quickly regained her focus and went on to defeat Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4, booking her place in the fourth round of the US Open.
Sabalenka Complains About Strong Cannabis Odor
The incident occurred during the opening set when Sabalenka was leading early in the match.
After noticing the smell, the Belarusian star spoke with the chair umpire before play resumed. She later explained that she had encountered the smell of cannabis around the US Open before, but said it had never been so strong during one of her matches.
Sabalenka also acknowledged that she did not know exactly where the smell had originated.
According to her post-match comments, the odor could have come from spectators or from outside the tennis complex, with wind potentially carrying the smell into the stadium.
“Please, Not Around the Tennis Courts”
Sabalenka took a relatively lighthearted approach to the unusual interruption after the match.
She said spectators could relax and enjoy themselves, but asked them not to smoke near the tennis courts because the smell could make it difficult for players to concentrate during competition.
Her comments highlighted a practical issue for athletes competing at Flushing Meadows, where even small distractions can affect concentration during high-pressure points.
The smell of cannabis has previously been reported around the US Open, making the episode part of a recurring discussion about conditions surrounding the tournament.
Where Did the Smell Come From?
There was no confirmation that a specific spectator inside the stadium was smoking cannabis.
The U.S. Tennis Association said the tennis center remains a smoke-free environment and that security and guest-services teams enforce the rules when they become aware of smoking on the grounds.
Officials also noted that while cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in New York, smoking is not permitted on the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center property.
The tournament is located near Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and reports have suggested that odors from outside the grounds can sometimes drift toward the tennis complex.
Sabalenka Keeps Her Focus and Wins
The interruption ultimately did little to derail Sabalenka’s performance.
After the brief pause, the world No. 1 continued to control the match against Rakhimova. She won the first set 6-3 and maintained her advantage in the second before completing a 6-4 set to seal victory.
Sabalenka’s serving was particularly effective. She produced 10 aces and did not face a break point during the match, helping her advance without dropping a set.
The victory extended her impressive US Open run and sent her into the fourth round.
A Bizarre Moment at the US Open
The cannabis smell created one of the more unusual moments of the 2026 US Open so far.
Tennis matches at Grand Slam tournaments are typically defined by intense rallies, crowd reactions and pressure-filled moments. A player stopping during a match to complain about an unusual smell is far less common.
The incident quickly attracted attention because of Sabalenka’s status as the world’s top-ranked women’s player and because of the unusual nature of the complaint.
It also generated plenty of discussion online, with fans and sports commentators reacting to the unexpected interruption.
Cannabis Odor Has Been Reported Before
Sabalenka is not the first tennis player to encounter the smell of cannabis around the US Open.
Other players have previously complained about marijuana odors during matches at Flushing Meadows. The issue is particularly associated with the location of the tournament and the surrounding parkland.
Because the tennis center is a large outdoor venue, weather and wind conditions can potentially affect what players experience on court.
Sabalenka’s complaint therefore drew attention to an issue that has existed around the tournament for several years.
What Sabalenka Said After the Match
Rather than allowing the incident to overshadow her victory, Sabalenka joked about it during her post-match media conference.
She acknowledged that the situation was unusual but maintained that the smell had been strong enough to interfere with her concentration.
Her main request was straightforward: spectators should avoid smoking near the courts while matches are taking place.
The world No. 1 then moved the conversation back toward tennis as she continued her pursuit of another US Open title.
Sabalenka Advances to the Fourth Round
The biggest takeaway for Sabalenka was ultimately her performance on court.
The 6-3, 6-4 victory over Rakhimova put her into the fourth round without losing a set. She will next face American Taylor Townsend, who also advanced to the last 16.
Sabalenka entered the tournament under significant pressure as she attempts to defend her US Open title and remain at the top of the women’s rankings.
With the tournament entering its second week, maintaining concentration will become increasingly important as the quality of opposition rises.
A Strange Distraction, But No Lasting Damage
The brief cannabis-related interruption was certainly unusual, but it did not prevent Sabalenka from producing a convincing result.
The episode also demonstrated how unpredictable conditions can occasionally become during outdoor sporting events.
For Sabalenka, however, the incident was ultimately a footnote to another straight-sets victory.
She dealt with the distraction, returned to business and secured her place in the fourth round of the US Open.
Key Takeaway
Aryna Sabalenka US Open campaign continued with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova despite an unusual mid-match interruption caused by a strong cannabis smell.
The world No. 1 briefly stopped play and alerted the chair umpire after noticing the odor at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The source was not confirmed, with the smell potentially coming from outside the tennis complex.
Sabalenka eventually brushed off the incident, maintained her focus and advanced to the fourth round. Her next challenge will be American Taylor Townsend as she continues her title defense in New York.
FAQs
1. Why did Aryna Sabalenka stop her US Open match?
Aryna Sabalenka briefly stopped her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova after noticing a strong smell of cannabis around Louis Armstrong Stadium.
2. Where did the incident happen?
The incident happened at Louis Armstrong Stadium during Sabalenka’s third-round match at the 2026 US Open.
3. Who was Aryna Sabalenka playing?
Sabalenka was playing Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round.
4. Did Sabalenka win the match?
Yes. Sabalenka defeated Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to the fourth round.
5. Was someone caught smoking cannabis inside the stadium?
No specific spectator was confirmed as the source of the smell. Officials said the odor may have come from outside the tennis complex.
6. Is cannabis legal in New York?
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in New York, although smoking is prohibited on the U.S. Open grounds.
7. Did the smell affect Sabalenka’s performance?
Sabalenka said the strong smell was difficult to handle while competing and could affect concentration, but she recovered quickly and won in straight sets.
8. Who will Sabalenka play next?
Sabalenka will face American Taylor Townsend in the fourth round of the US Open.
9. Has cannabis odor been an issue at the US Open before?
Yes. Players have complained about cannabis odors around Flushing Meadows in previous years as well.
10. How did Sabalenka react after the match?
Sabalenka treated the incident with humor but reiterated that spectators should avoid smoking near tennis courts because it can distract players during matches.
