Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Pauses US Open Match Over ‘Strong’ Marijuana ‘Smell‘

On Friday, September 4, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka paused her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova due to a strong marijuana odor at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Up 2-0 in the first set, the 28-year-old player approached umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore with her concerns. "Someone is smoking weed," Sabalenka said, pointing behind her. "Would you mind...because it's so strong."

Umpire Asderaki-Moore then communicated with an official via radio and made a smoking gesture before the match resumed. Sabalenka went on to win the match, her 16th consecutive victory at the US Open. After the match, she addressed the situation with the press, urging people to refrain from smoking around the tennis courts. The player, ranked No. 1 at the time, emphasized that it was difficult to compete while dealing with the smell.

Sabalenka was unsure whether the odor was emanating from the crowd or from outside, as the wind was blowing it into the stadium. Recreational marijuana use is legal in New York City, but smoking is prohibited on the grounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. When asked about the incident again, Sabalenka grew exasperated, asking, "More about the weed? Come on, guys. You were the one who was smoking, maybe?" She will face Taylor Townsend in the next round on Saturday, September 5.