‘It’s so strong’ – Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match and accuses spectator of smoking cannabis

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, stopped her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova after detecting a strong smell of cannabis during their third-round encounter in New York. The Belarusian, who was leading 3-0 in the first set, alerted umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, claiming someone nearby was smoking weed. Asderaki-Moore contacted an official via radio and made a smoking gesture, indicating she wanted the matter addressed.

Play resumed, and Sabalenka went on to win the match 6-3, 6-4, advancing to the fourth round. After the match, Sabalenka admitted she was uncertain about the source of the smell, whether it was from a spectator or outside the stadium due to wind. She expressed hope that spectators would be more cautious about smoking cannabis during matches.

This incident is not the first of its kind at this year's US Open, as other players, including Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Francesca Jones, have also noticed the smell of cannabis. Sabalenka's win extended her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 16 matches, bringing her closer to securing her third consecutive US Open title.