Sabalenka Takes a Break Over Cannabis Smell Before Advancing in US Open

In a peculiar turn of events during her match at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka paused play after detecting a potent smell of cannabis wafting through the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The defending champion raised the issue with the umpire after quickly gaining a 3-0 lead against Kamilla Rakhimova.

Speaking to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, the Belarusian star expressed her concern, stating, "someone is smoking weed" and requested intervention due to the intensity of the odor. Following a brief communication with officials, play resumed.

Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka went on to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory, marking her 16th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows. This performance moves her one step closer to her fifth Grand Slam title and a potential third consecutive US Open title, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014.

Sabalenka's powerful game was evident as she dominated the match, serving 10 aces and not facing any break points. She will next meet either American Taylor Townsend or 15th seed Diana Shnaider, who previously defeated her in the French Open quarter-finals.

This is not the first instance of players complaining about cannabis smells at this year's tournament; previous complaints have come from other competitors, including Britain’s Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart. Although smoking is prohibited on the grounds of Flushing Meadows, it remains legal for adults over 21 in New York, and the scent often drifts in from the nearby Corona Park.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk