Sabalenka's US Open match paused due to strong marijuana smell

Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open match took an unexpected turn Friday when the tennis star paused play after noticing a strong marijuana smell coming from the crowd. During her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova in Queens, Sabalenka appeared distracted by the odor and walked toward chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to raise the issue. Sabalenka told the umpire: “Someone is smoking weed. Do you mind? Because it’s so strong.” Despite the unusual interruption, the Belarusian star managed to regain her focus and eventually won the match. The incident has once again drawn attention to complaints about marijuana smoke around the US Open, where recreational cannabis is legal in New York. The situation also comes as nearby dispensaries reportedly promote deliveries to tennis fans during the tournament. While spectators may see cannabis as part of the event atmosphere, Sabalenka’s reaction highlights a different concern: players should be able to compete without strong outside odors affecting their concentration. Her brief complaint quickly became one of the tournament’s most unusual moments.