World

Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Due to Cannabis Odor

The defending champion temporarily paused her match after noticing a strong smell of marijuana.

4 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Due to Cannabis Odor — Photo: Hameltion · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

During a third-round match at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka interrupted play due to a strong smell of cannabis in the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The defending champion reported the unsettling odor early in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova.

Despite the disruption, Sabalenka went on to secure a convincing victory, finishing the match with scores of 6-3 and 6-4, thus advancing to the round of 16. The incident occurred on Friday, during a significant stage of the tournament.

According to reports, the smell was strong enough to warrant a pause in the match, highlighting the unusual circumstances players sometimes face during competitions. Sources did not specify what actions, if any, were taken in response to the odor.

In her match, Sabalenka demonstrated resilience after the interruption, continuing to focus on her gameplay. The incident did not seem to affect her performance significantly, as she maintained control throughout the match.

Several media outlets, including The Independent and ABC News, covered the incident, underscoring its unusual nature in the context of professional tennis. The coverage indicated the moment captured attention not only for the game itself but also for the unexpected disruption during such a prominent event.

As Sabalenka progresses in the tournament, her encounter with the smell has drawn interest, illustrating the unique and sometimes unpredictable conditions that can arise in sports events.

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