Aryna Sabalenka paused her US Open encounter with Kamilla Rakhimova due to an intense odor of marijuana before easing her way into the tournament’s fourth round in New York.
The tournament’s top seed brought up the matter after taking a 3-0 lead in the opening set against Rakhimova of Uzbekistan, informing chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that “someone is smoking weed.”
The Belarusian player requested the official to take action “because it’s so strong.”
Asderaki-Moore communicated with a colleague via radio and gestured as if smoking to someone situated behind her, after which the match resumed.
The two-time defending champion subsequently locked in a commanding 6-3 6-4 win on Louis Armstrong Stadium, continuing her pursuit of a fifth Grand Slam singles crown.
Following her match, Sabalenka admitted she could not pinpoint the origin of the marijuana odor but urged spectators to show greater consideration.
While smoking is banned on the grounds of Flushing Meadows, the scent of cannabis frequently drifts onto the courts from adjacent Corona Park.
In New York state, cannabis consumption is legal for adults who are at least 21 years old.
“It’s somewhat difficult to deal with that aroma when you are attempting to play at your absolute peak,” Sabalenka remarked.
“I’m unsure if the source was the spectators or external areas, as the breeze carries it right into the arena.
“I simply hope people will be a little more conscious of these things.”
Sabalenka is far from the only competitor to raise concerns about the marijuana scent at Flushing Meadows during this edition of the tournament.
Great Britain’s Katie Boulter had earlier described it as a distraction, with compatriots Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones similarly detecting the scent.
Over previous tournaments, major figures including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have also voiced similar complaints.
This triumph represented Sabalenka’s 16th consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows, as she aims to match Serena Williams’ 2012-2014 feat of winning three consecutive US Open singles championships.
The 28-year-old displayed her signature strength right from the get-go against Rakhimova, losing a mere four points on her own serve during an assured first set.
Despite a spirited effort from Rakhimova in the second set, Sabalenka managed a decisive break of serve to lead 5-4, subsequently serving out the match without trouble.
Sabalenka hit 10 aces compared to Rakhimova’s two and never faced a break point throughout the entire match.
Up next for her is a match against either home favorite Taylor Townsend or the 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider, who defeated her during the French Open quarterfinals back in June.
