Top seed Aryna Sabalenka briefly interrupted her US Open third-round match Friday to alert the chair umpire about a strong cannabis odor wafting into Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian competitor, who had established a 3-0 lead against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova early in the first set, requested intervention from umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, citing the overpowering smell. The official then signaled to stadium personnel before play resumed.
Despite the unusual disruption, Sabalenka dominated the remainder of the match, securing a straightforward 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to the fourth round. The two-time defending champion, who is pursuing a fifth Grand Slam title, delivered a commanding performance that included 10 aces and left her opponent without any break-point opportunities.
Following her win, Sabalenka acknowledged uncertainty about the smell’s origin but expressed hope that attendees would exercise greater awareness. While smoking is prohibited within the stadium grounds, the odor frequently drifts onto courts from the adjacent Corona Park, where cannabis consumption is legal for adults over 21 in New York. Sabalenka is not the first player at this year’s tournament to raise concerns; fellow competitors including Britain’s Katie Boulter have previously complained about the distraction.
Sabalenka will face Taylor Townsend in her next match as she continues her bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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