Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Over Cannabis Smell

Aryna Sabalenka's third-round match at the 2026 US Open was interrupted on Friday, September 4, when the world number one stopped play to complain about a strong smell of cannabis drifting onto the court. The top seed from Belarus went on to secure a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-4, over Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

Why did Sabalenka stop her match?

During her second service game on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Sabalenka alerted chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to the distracting odor. Leading 30-0, she pointedly said, "Someone is smoking weed. Would you mind to… because it’s so strong." The unusual stoppage occurred after she had raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. No fans were found smoking inside the grounds and ejected, but the smell has become a recurring issue at the New York tournament where recreational cannabis is legal for adults.

Sabalenka clarified her position after the match, striking a balance between personal freedom and professional necessity. "I was like, Guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please to not do it around the tennis courts," she told reporters with a smile. She suggested the wind may have carried the smell from outside the complex, adding, "It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best."

How did Sabalenka perform against Rakhimova?

Despite the distraction, Sabalenka delivered a dominant performance to dispatch the 92nd-ranked Rakhimova in one hour and 30 minutes. Her power game was on full display, firing 10 aces and committing just one double fault. She converted two of her seven break point opportunities, while Rakhimova failed to earn a single break point chance. The Uzbek player recorded two aces but was hampered by six double faults. The comprehensive win books Sabalenka a spot in the fourth round, where she will face the winner of the match between Diana Shnaider and Taylor Townsend.

What is the broader context at the US Open?

Sabalenka's straightforward advance contrasted with the struggle of American third seed Jessica Pegula, who fought back from a set down to beat 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. Pegula, the 2024 runner-up, is one of three players who could dethrone Sabalenka for the world number one ranking during this tournament. In other action, Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2. The day was also set to feature the highly anticipated return of Venus and Serena Williams in doubles action during the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

• Key Takeaway: World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open fourth round with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Kamilla Rakhimova on September 4.
• Key Takeaway: The match was briefly interrupted when Sabalenka complained to the umpire about a strong smell of cannabis on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court.
• Key Takeaway: Sabalenka's next opponent will be either Diana Shnaider or Taylor Townsend as she continues her quest for the title.
• Key Takeaway: American Jessica Pegula staged a comeback win and remains in contention to challenge for the world number one ranking Sabalenka currently holds.