Sabalenka Stops US Open Match Over Cannabis Smell

World number one Aryna Sabalenka was forced to briefly halt her US Open third-round match after complaining to the umpire about a strong smell of cannabis drifting onto the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The top-seeded Belarusian had made a dominant start against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, moving 3-0 ahead, before interrupting play during her second service game on Friday.

With the smell becoming particularly noticeable, Sabalenka alerted chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore while leading 30-0.

"Someone is smoking weed," Sabalenka said, asking the umpire if something could be done because the smell was "so strong".

Play soon resumed and Sabalenka went on to complete a straight-sets victory, maintaining her progress through the tournament.

Speaking afterwards, Sabalenka said she was not opposed to people enjoying themselves, but believed smoking should be kept away from the tennis courts.

She explained that the smell could make it difficult for players to maintain their concentration while competing at the highest level.

The issue is not entirely new at Flushing Meadows. Cannabis odours have previously been reported by players at the US Open, where the tournament is held in Queens, close to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Smoking is prohibited within the US Open grounds, although recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in New York. Wind can carry smoke from areas surrounding the tennis complex into the stadium and across the courts.

Sabalenka said she had noticed the smell earlier in the tournament but had never experienced it at such a strong level during a match.

She suggested the windy conditions on Friday may have contributed to the odour reaching the stadium.

"I just hope they are a bit more aware of that stuff," Sabalenka said.

The incident prompted some amusement during her post-match media conference, but Sabalenka was clear about what she wanted.

Her request, she said, was simply for spectators and others nearby to avoid smoking close to the tennis courts.

For Sabalenka, the unusual interruption did little to derail her performance as she continued her pursuit of another deep run at the US Open.