Top seed Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her U.S. Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova on Thursday due to a strong cannabis smell before securing her place in the fourth round. The incident occurred early in the first set on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Sabalenka, leading 3-0, informed umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that “someone is smoking weed” and requested intervention due to the intensity of the smell. The umpire relayed the concern to an official, and play resumed shortly after.
Sabalenka went on to defeat Rakhimova of Uzbekistan 6-3, 6-4. This victory marks her 16th consecutive win at the U.S. Open, as she aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2012-2014 to win three consecutive singles titles at the tournament.
Sabalenka showcased her consistent power throughout the match, dropping only four points on her serve in the opening set. While Rakhimova offered more resistance in the second set, Sabalenka secured a decisive break to take a 5-4 lead before closing out the match. She recorded 10 aces to Rakhimova's two and did not face a break point.
This is not the first time the smell of cannabis has been noted on court at Flushing Meadows this year. Earlier in the tournament, players including Britain's Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Francesca Jones reported similar distractions. Past U.S. Open competitors, such as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, have also previously raised concerns about the odor.
Smoking cannabis is not permitted on the U.S. Open grounds, but the smell can drift onto the courts from the nearby Corona Park. The substance is legal to smoke for adults aged 21 and over in New York.
Sabalenka is scheduled to play either American Taylor Townsend or Russian 15th seed Diana Shnaider in her next match.