Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Over Strong Marijuana Odor

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly interrupted her third-round US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova on Saturday after complaining to the chair umpire about a pervasive smell of cannabis drifting into Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian top seed, who was leading 30-0 in the third game of the opening set, approached official Eva Asderaki-Moore to request intervention, stating, "Someone is smoking weed. Would you mind? Because it's so strong." The incident prompted tournament staff to enter the stands to investigate, though the match resumed shortly thereafter without further disruption.

While recreational cannabis is legal in New York, smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited within the US Open grounds. The incident highlights a recurring challenge for tournament organizers at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where smoke from the adjacent Flushing Meadows-Corona Park frequently drifts into the stadium complex. Sabalenka, who ultimately secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory, later emphasized that her complaint was not directed at the personal habits of spectators but rather at the impact of the environment on professional competition.

Sabalenka’s mid-match complaint is the latest in a series of similar grievances voiced by professional players regarding crowd etiquette and environmental distractions at the US Open. Following her victory, the defending champion explained the difficulty of maintaining focus under such conditions. "I was like, 'guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please not around the tennis courts'," she stated during her post-match press conference. She noted that the wind often carries the odor directly into the playing area, making it a persistent issue for athletes attempting to perform at the highest level.

Other competitors have echoed these concerns throughout the 2026 tournament. British player Katie Boulter previously reported that the smell of marijuana was negatively impacting her concentration during matches. The growing frequency of these reports has drawn increased scrutiny toward the tournament’s enforcement of its no-smoking policy. The atmosphere at the US Open has been a subject of broader debate this year, with some players and observers pointing to the increased presence of influencers and a shift in the tournament's overall environment as factors contributing to the current challenges.

Former British No. 1 and 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski has publicly urged tournament organizers to adopt a more rigorous approach to the smoking ban. Speaking on his podcast, Rusedski argued that the current situation is detrimental to the reputation of both the Grand Slam and the city of New York. "I think the US Open should be a no smoking zone, whether it's cigarettes, whether it's weed. I mean, this is an athletic competition," Rusedski stated. He suggested that the USTA should coordinate more closely with local authorities to ensure the venue remains free of smoke.

Rusedski emphasized that the issue extends beyond the immediate comfort of the players, suggesting that the presence of such odors sends an inappropriate message to younger fans attending the event. "I don't understand how the USA can't get together with the mayor of New York City and say, 'Look, guys, we don't want this at our venue and we don't want this for the image of tennis'," he added. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among some in the tennis community that the tournament must prioritize the professional environment of the courts over the relaxed public norms of the surrounding city.

Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka’s performance against Rakhimova was marked by high efficiency. The world No. 1 did not face a single break point throughout the match, a significant improvement in form following a pre-tournament period that had prompted questions regarding her consistency. Her ability to maintain composure after the brief delay was widely noted, as she successfully navigated the third round to keep her title defense on track. The victory serves as a strong statement of intent as she moves deeper into the tournament bracket.

Sabalenka is now set to face American Taylor Townsend in the next round. Townsend earned her spot in the upcoming match after a hard-fought victory over Diana Shnaider, finishing 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3. As the tournament progresses, the focus for Sabalenka will remain on her pursuit of a fifth Grand Slam singles title. While the marijuana-related incident briefly dominated the headlines, the top seed appears determined to keep her attention fixed on the court, hoping that future matches will be free of similar environmental distractions.

The incident involving Sabalenka occurred amidst a wider conversation regarding the changing nature of the US Open experience. The tournament has faced criticism from several high-profile players regarding the behavior of spectators and the influence of non-traditional attendees. Naomi Osaka, for instance, has previously criticized the USTA for what she described as an increasing "influencer culture" that she believes detracts from the sport's traditional focus. These complaints, combined with the recurring issue of marijuana smoke, suggest a growing tension between the tournament's status as a major sporting event and its role as a high-profile public spectacle in New York City.

Tournament organizers have yet to announce any specific changes to their security or enforcement protocols in response to these latest complaints. However, the persistence of the issue, coupled with the high-profile nature of the players involved, may force a re-evaluation of how the USTA manages the environment within the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For now, players like Sabalenka continue to navigate these challenges, balancing the demands of elite competition with the unpredictable nature of the fan experience at one of the world's most vibrant sporting venues.