Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova after detecting a strong smell of cannabis, before securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to the fourth round in New York, according to reports from News18. The top-seeded Belarusian raised the issue with umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore after taking a 3-0 lead in the first set, stating that “someone is smoking weed” and asking the official to intervene because the odor was intense.
US Open Cannabis Complaints and Venue Regulations
According to News18 reporting, Asderaki-Moore responded to Sabalenka’s complaint by speaking to an official over her radio and making a smoking gesture to someone behind her before play resumed. While smoking is strictly prohibited on site at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the distinctive smell frequently drifts onto the courts from nearby Corona Park. Although consuming cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in New York State, the aroma has repeatedly sparked mid-match complaints from professional tennis players at Flushing Meadows.
Did you know? Sabalenka is not the sole competitor to address this issue at Flushing Meadows. British player Katie Boulter noted last week that the scent was distracting during her matches, while contemporaries like Harriet Dart, Francesca Jones, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev have also voiced similar complaints during past tournaments.
Match Analysis and Next Opponent
Following the brief delay, Sabalenka relied on her powerful baseline game to dismantle Rakhimova’s resistance on Louis Armstrong Stadium. According to News18, the world No. 1 fired 29 winners, including 10 aces, and did not face a single break point throughout the contest. After claiming the opening set in 35 minutes, Sabalenka fended off a sharper challenge from the 92nd-ranked Rakhimova in the second set, securing a crucial break at 5-4 before serving out the match cleanly.
The straight-sets victory marks Sabalenka’s 16th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows as she pursues a third consecutive US Open title, a feat not accomplished by a woman since Serena Williams won three straight between 2012 and 2014. To maintain her title defense and protect her ranking status, Sabalenka will face either American Taylor Townsend or 15th-seeded Diana Shnaider of Russia in the next round. Shnaider previously defeated Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of the French Open in June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aryna Sabalenka stop her US Open match?
Sabalenka briefly interrupted her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova to inform chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore of a strong smell of cannabis coming from the stands, asking officials to intervene.
Is smoking allowed at the US Open venue?
No. Smoking is prohibited on site at Flushing Meadows, though the scent frequently drifts onto the grounds from adjacent public areas like Corona Park, where adult consumption is legal under New York law.
Who has Sabalenka played and defeated to reach this stage?
Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium to secure her place in the fourth round.
Who will Sabalenka face next in the tournament?
She will face the winner of the match between American Taylor Townsend and 15th-seeded Diana Shnaider.
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