'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell

Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, briefly paused her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova due to a potent cannabis odor before advancing to the fourth round. The Belarusian player, who had led 3-0 in the first set, expressed her concern to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, stating, "someone is smoking weed." Asderaki-Moore investigated the issue and signaled someone to address the situation.

Once resolved, play resumed, and Sabalenka proceeded to dominate the match, winning 6-3, 6-4. This incident is not the first of its kind at the US Open; last week, Katie Boulter also complained about the distracting smell of cannabis on court. Previous players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have voiced similar concerns.

While smoking is prohibited within Flushing Meadows, the scent of cannabis occasionally permeates the court from the nearby Corona Park, a location where recreational use is legal for adults aged 21 and over. Sabalenka's victory marked her 16th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows, bringing her one step closer to becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to clinch a third US Open singles title.

She will next face either Taylor Townsend or Diana Shnaider, the latter of whom had previously defeated her in the French Open quarter-finals.