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Aryna Sabalenka Defends Focus Amid US Open Weed Smell

2026-09-04 · Aryna Sabalenka · Match Report

Aryna Sabalenka Defends Focus Amid US Open Weed Smell

Aryna Sabalenka hit back at suggestions her off-court activities were affecting her US Open preparation after defeating Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 on September 3 2026.

The world number one said she had been working hard and was moving away from trying to be perfect on court.

She added that posting brand activities did not mean she had been partying instead of training.

Sabalenka is chasing a third straight US Open title and aims to avoid ending the year without a major.

How did Aryna Sabalenka reach the US Open fourth round?

Aryna Sabalenka beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3 6-4 on September 4 2026 to reach the fourth round of the US Open.

The match lasted one hour and thirty minutes with Sabalenka hitting ten aces and converting two of seven break points.

Rakhimova recorded two aces and six double faults while failing to earn a break point opportunity.

Sabalenka will now face the winner of the third-round match between Diana Shnaider and Taylor Townsend.

Why did Aryna Sabalenka halt play during her US Open match?

Aryna Sabalenka briefly stopped her match against Kamilla Rakhimova after going 3-0 up in the first set due to a strong smell of cannabis.

She told umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that someone was smoking weed and asked for intervention because it was so strong.

The umpire spoke to an official via radio and made a smoking gesture before play resumed.

Sabalenka went on to win the match confidently and extended her Flushing Meadows winning streak to sixteen straight matches.

What else happened around Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open?

Jessica Pegula dismantled Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-1 in just fifty-six minutes to set up a matchup with Leylah Fernandez.

Daniil Medvedev beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4 to reach the fourth round where he will face Francis Tiafoe or Valentin Vacherot.

Taylor Townsend was taken to a deciding set by Diana Shnaider on Stadium 17 after serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

  • Aryna Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
  • The cannabis smell has been traced to Corona Park outside the tournament grounds where smoking is legal for adults over 21.
  • Sabalenka has not won a title since claiming the Miami Open in March 2026.
  • She remains world number one despite a mid-season dip in form she declined to explain.

More Aryna Sabalenka news →