**Title: Sabalenka Raises Concerns Over Cannabis Odor During US Open Match**
**Date: September 4, 2026**
In an unusual incident during her third-round match at the US Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka halted play to address a strong smell of cannabis infiltrating the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The match, held on Friday, saw Sabalenka facing off against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, with the Belarusian player quickly taking a commanding lead.
The interruption occurred during Sabalenka's second service game when she noticed the odor and brought it to the attention of the chair umpire, Eva Asderaki-Moore. "Someone is smoking weed," she remarked while serving at 30-0. Following her alert, play resumed after a brief pause.
After securing a straight-sets victory, Sabalenka spoke to reporters about the incident. While she expressed no objection to individuals enjoying themselves, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a distraction-free environment for competitors. "I was like, Guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please do not do it around the tennis courts," she stated with a smile. "It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best."
The presence of cannabis odor has been a recurring issue at the US Open, with players previously voicing their concerns about the distraction it poses during matches. Although smoking is prohibited within the tournament grounds, recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older in New York. As a result, smoke from individuals in the nearby Flushing Meadows-Corona Park can drift into the tennis complex, impacting players on the courts.
Sabalenka noted that she had encountered the smell of cannabis during the tournament before but had never experienced it as intensely during a match. She attributed the strong odor to the wind, which seemed to carry it into the stadium. "That strong, yeah. Also, because it was a bit windy," she explained. "I don’t know if it was coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium."
In a light-hearted manner, she concluded her remarks on the topic, urging spectators to be more mindful of their surroundings. "I just hope they are a bit more aware of that stuff," she added, laughing as the conversation returned to the issue. "Come on, guys. I think there is nothing else to say about weed. I’m just asking people not to smoke it next to the tennis court."
Sabalenka's match against Rakhimova was marked by her strong performance, as she quickly established dominance on the court, ultimately winning the match and advancing further in the tournament. The incident highlights the challenges athletes face in maintaining focus amidst external distractions, particularly in an environment where recreational cannabis use is permitted.
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how officials will address the issue of cannabis odor and its impact on players' performances at the US Open.