NEW YORK: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was forced to briefly interrupt her third-round US Open match at Louis Armstrong Stadium after complaining to the chair umpire about a strong marijuana odor coming from the stands.
The incident occurred during the third game of Sabalenka’s match against Kamila Rakhimova, with the defending champion leading 30-0 while serving from the southern end of the court.
Sabalenka turned toward the chair umpire and indicated that she believed someone in the crowd was smoking marijuana. She asked officials to intervene, stressing how strong the smell was.
“Could you please ask them to address it because it’s really strong?” Sabalenka told the umpire.
The chair umpire responded by calling for assistance, with US Open staff sent into the stands to investigate the source of the odor.
NOT THE FIRST SUCH COMPLAINT
Sabalenka is not the first player to raise concerns about marijuana smells at the US Open this year. French veteran Adrian Mannarino has also expressed frustration over what he described as poor crowd etiquette.
The issue has added another unusual talking point around the tournament, which has also attracted increased attention because of the growing presence of paid social-media influencers.
SABALENKA SURVIVES RAKHIMOVA TEST
Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka remained focused and secured her place in the fourth round after overcoming a determined challenge from Rakhimova.
The defending champion made a flying start, breaking Rakhimova’s serve in the opening game before comfortably holding her own serve.
Sabalenka was particularly impressive on serve in the opening set. She did not miss a first serve until the seventh game and wrapped up the set in just 35 minutes.
Rakhimova responded strongly in the second set, increasing the pace and power of her shots and forcing Sabalenka into longer rallies.
The two players traded holds through several demanding games before Sabalenka finally found the breakthrough, breaking to move ahead 5-4 and putting herself in control of the match.
The victory keeps Sabalenka’s US Open title defence alive and strengthens her bid to remain at the top of the WTA rankings.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SABALENKA?
Sabalenka’s next opponent will be either 15th seed Diana Shnaider of Russia or American Taylor Townsend.
With her No. 1 ranking under pressure in New York, every victory becomes increasingly important for the defending champion as she looks to go deep into the tournament and retain her position at the top of women’s tennis.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- 🎾 Sabalenka complained about a strong marijuana odor during her match.
- 🚨 US Open staff were sent into the stands to investigate.
- 🏆 The defending champion advanced to the fourth round.
- 🌎 Sabalenka is fighting to retain the World No. 1 ranking.
- 👤 Her next opponent will be Shnaider or Townsend.
