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

Aryna Sabalenka halted her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of a strong smell of cannabis before she cruised into the fourth round at the Flushing Meadows. The world number one, Sabalenka raised the issue during the first set while she was 3-0 ahead in the game against Uzbekistan’s Rakhimova, raising the complaint to the umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore saying, “someone is smoking weed” and asked the chair umpire to intervene “because it is strong.”

As the two-time defending champion, Sabalenka went onto secure the win in a confident manner and she completely outplayed her low-ranked opponent 6-3, 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium court as. With the win she is well on course to chase her fifth Grand Slam title and third consecutive US Open Championship.

After the match, Sabalenka said she was not sure where the smell of cannabis was coming from but asked the fans coming into the stadium to be more mindful of smoking during the match. Smoking is not permitted on site at the Flushing Meadows but the smell of cannabis sometimes comes through to the court from the Corona Park, which is located close to the court.

It is legal to smoke cannabis in New York for all the adults aged over 21 and above. “It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you are trying to compete at your best.” said Sabalenka. She further said, “I don’t know if it was coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium. I just hope they are going to be a bit more aware of that stuff.”

It must be noted that Sabalenka is not the first player at this year’s US Open to complain about the smell of cannabis at the US Open. Earlier, Britain’s Katie Boulter previously said it was distracting, while Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones also complained about the smell. In the past as well, top players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have also complained.

The third round victory marked Sabalenka’s 16th straight win at Flushing Meadows as she bids to become the first woman to complete a hat-trick of US Open Singles titles since Serena Williams achieved the feat 2012-14. The 28-year-old showcased her trademark power from the start against Rakhimova, dropping just four points on serve in a confident opening set.

Although Rakhimova fought well in the second set, Sabalenka secured a critical break to go up 5-4 before serving out for the win. During the match, Sabalenka served 10 aces to Rakhimova’s two and did not face a single break point. She will next face American and crowd favourite Taylor Townsend for a place in the quarter-finals after she sent packing the 15th seed Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3. However, Karolina Muchova became the highest women’s seed to go out of the tournament as she lost to world number seven Emma Navarro.