Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match due to odor in stadium
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 5:46 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
World number one Aryna Sabalenka paused her third-round US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova on September 4, 2026, after reporting a strong smell of marijuana. The incident occurred at Louis Armstrong Stadium while Sabalenka held a 2-0 lead in the opening set. She alerted chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, who subsequently coordinated with other officials on-site to address the situation. Play resumed shortly after the report was made. While tournament rules prohibit smoking on the premises, the smell of marijuana has been a recurring issue during this year's event, largely affecting courts located near Corona Park. The United States Tennis Association has been contacted for comment regarding the conditions on the grounds.
- •Aryna Sabalenka stopped play during her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova.
- •The match was being held at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open.
- •Sabalenka held a 2-0 lead when she alerted the chair umpire to the odor.
- •Smoking of any kind is prohibited inside the tournament site.
- 5:46 PMYahoo Sports — 'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell
- 5:34 PMBBC Sport — 'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell
- 5:19 PMYahoo Sports — Aryna Sabalenka calls for pause in US Open match over marijuana smell
- 5:03 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Strong’ smell of marijuana means Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match
"World number one Aryna Sabalenka called a halt to her third-round match at the US Open after complaining she could smell marijuana. The two-time defending champion was 2-0 up and serving in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
"Aryna Sabalenka briefly halts her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of the smell of cannabis before going on to reach the fourth round.
"Aryna Sabalenka briefly halts her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of the smell of cannabis before going on to reach the fourth round.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 5:46 PM'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell
Aryna Sabalenka briefly halts her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of the smell of cannabis before going on to reach the fourth round.
- BBC SportSep 4, 2026, 5:34 PM'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell
Aryna Sabalenka briefly halts her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of the smell of cannabis before going on to reach the fourth round.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 5:19 PMAryna Sabalenka calls for pause in US Open match over marijuana smell
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka had to stop her match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of the overwhelming smell of marijuana at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 5:03 PM‘Strong’ smell of marijuana means Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match
World number one Aryna Sabalenka called a halt to her third-round match at the US Open after complaining she could smell marijuana. The two-time defending champion was 2-0 up and serving in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
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