US Open: Aryna Sabalenka stops match after accusing spectator of smoking weed

Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open campaign was briefly interrupted by an unusual courtside complaint after the defending champion told the chair umpire that she could smell marijuana coming from the stands.

The incident occurred during the third game of Sabalenka’s third-round match against Kamila Rakhimova at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka was serving and leading 30-0 when she suddenly turned towards the umpire and indicated that the smell of weed was becoming difficult to ignore.

The world No. 1 asked officials to address the situation, prompting US Open personnel to enter the stands and try to identify the source of the smell. Play was briefly paused before the match resumed.

Sabalenka was not the only player to raise concerns about marijuana odours during this year’s tournament. Adrian Mannarino has also spoken about the issue, while crowd behaviour and etiquette around the Flushing Meadows venue have attracted increased attention.

Sabalenka keeps title defence alive

The brief disruption did little to derail Sabalenka’s focus as she continued her bid for a second straight US Open title.

The Belarusian made an excellent start against Rakhimova, immediately breaking the Uzbek player’s serve before consolidating the advantage. Her serve remained particularly effective throughout the opening set, allowing her to take control of the match.

Sabalenka wrapped up the first set in 35 minutes, putting Rakhimova under considerable pressure.

The second set proved more competitive as Rakhimova raised her intensity and forced Sabalenka into longer rallies and games. Both players held serve through a tense stretch before Sabalenka finally secured the decisive break to move 5-4 ahead.

She then closed out the contest to book her place in the fourth round.

World No. 1 ranking at stake

Sabalenka’s victory keeps her title defence on track, but the stakes in New York extend beyond another Grand Slam trophy.

The Belarusian’s position at the top of the WTA rankings is under pressure, meaning she needs a deep run in New York to ensure she retains the world No. 1 spot.

Sabalenka will next face either 15th seed Diana Shnaider or American Taylor Townsend in the fourth round.