Aryna Sabalenka briefly interrupted her US Open second-round clash against Kamilla Rakhimova due to a potent scent of cannabis lingering on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The top seed raised the concern with chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore after establishing a 3-0 lead in the first set, stating that “someone is smoking weed” and asking for intervention because the odor was “so strong.”
Umpire Asderaki-Moore communicated with an official via radio and gestured toward someone off-court before play resumed. Sabalenka went on to dominate the match, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to the fourth round.
The two-time defending champion continues her pursuit of a fifth Grand Slam singles title, extending her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 16 consecutive matches. She is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams, who won three consecutive titles from 2012 to 2014, to claim a hat-trick of US Open championships.
Sabalenka’s powerful serving was on full display, as she recorded 10 aces compared to Rakhimova’s two and did not face a single break point. Although the Uzbek player competed well in the second set, Sabalenka broke serve at a critical moment to lead 5-4 before closing out the match.
The incident highlights an ongoing issue at the tournament. British players Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Francesca Jones have previously complained about the distraction, as have Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in prior years. While smoking is prohibited on site, the aroma often drifts from nearby Corona Park, where cannabis use is legal for adults.
Sabalenka will next face either American Taylor Townsend or Russian 15th seed Diana Shnaider, who defeated her in the French Open quarter-finals earlier this year.
Classic Sabalenka. Focus stays locked even with that distraction. Hope she keeps this streak going!
Is it weird that players keep complaining about weed in NYC in 2024? The park is right there.
16 consecutive wins at Flushing Meadows? That is absolutely insane. She looks unstoppable this year.