Aryna Sabalenka pauses US Open match after complaining of marijuana smell in stands

Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open title defence was briefly overshadowed by an unusual interruption after the world No. 1 complained about the smell of marijuana coming from the crowd during her third-round match against Kamila Rakhimova.

The incident unfolded at Louis Armstrong Stadium during the third game. Sabalenka was serving with a 30-0 lead when she stopped and alerted the chair umpire, pointing towards the stands and indicating that a spectator appeared to be smoking weed.

The defending champion urged the umpire to take action, saying the smell had become particularly strong. Tournament staff were subsequently sent into the crowd to locate the source, briefly interrupting play.

The issue has surfaced elsewhere at Flushing Meadows this year, with Adrian Mannarino also expressing frustration over marijuana smells drifting onto the courts. Concerns over spectator behaviour and etiquette have added another talking point around the tournament.

Sabalenka survives Rakhimova test

Once play resumed, Sabalenka quickly returned her attention to the match and produced a strong performance to reach the fourth round.

The Belarusian made an aggressive start, breaking Rakhimova in the opening game of the match before protecting her own serve. Her first-serve performance was particularly impressive, allowing her to dictate the early exchanges.

Sabalenka needed only 35 minutes to take the opening set.

Rakhimova responded strongly in the second, raising her intensity and forcing the defending champion into longer exchanges. The Uzbek player held serve through several demanding games before Sabalenka finally created the opening she needed.

The world No. 1 broke to move 5-4 ahead and then served out the match, keeping her bid for back-to-back US Open titles alive.

Ranking battle intensifies

Sabalenka’s progress in New York is also crucial to her hopes of remaining at the top of the WTA rankings.

With her No. 1 position under threat during the tournament, the Belarusian knows she needs a deep run — potentially another title — to secure her place at the summit.

She will face either 15th seed Diana Shnaider or American Taylor Townsend in the fourth round.