'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell

Aryna Sabalenka paused her US Open fourth‑round match against Kamilla Rakhimova after detecting a strong odor of cannabis. Leading 3‑0 in the opening set, she told umpire Eva Asderaki‑Moore, “Someone is smoking weed.” She requested the umpire to intervene “because it’s truthful strong.” Asderaki‑Moore consulted an official, made a smoking gesture toward the source, and play resumed. Sabalenka went on to win 6‑3, 6‑4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium, chasing a fifth Grand Slam singles title. The victory marked her 16th straight win at Flushing Meadows as she aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑2014) to claim three consecutive US Open singles titles. The 28‑year‑old displayed her trademark power, losing only four points on her serve in the opening set. Although Rakhimova fought back in the second set, Sabalenka broke serve to lead 5‑4 and then held for the win. She recorded 10 aces to Rakhimova’s two and faced no break points. Her next opponent will be either American Taylor Townsend or Russian 15th seed Diana Shnaider, who defeated her in the French Open quarterfinals in June. Sabalenka is not the first player at this year’s US Open to complain about cannabis smell; last week Britain’s Katie Boulter said it was distracting, and Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones also noted the odor. In previous years, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have raised similar concerns. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds at Flushing Meadows, but cannabis smoke sometimes drifts in from nearby Corona Park. In New York, adults aged 21 and over may legally consume cannabis.