New York – In a surprising moment at the U.S. Open on Friday, world‑number‑one Aryna Sabalenka stopped her third‑round match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova to point out a strong odor of cannabis drifting onto Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Distraction on the court

Sabalenka, who had surged to a 3‑0 lead, raised the issue during her second service game, asking the umpire to address the smell before play could continue. The interruption highlighted a growing nuisance for players at Flushing Meadows, where occasional cannabis smoke from the surrounding park has entered the tennis complex.

Legal backdrop

Recreational cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in New York, but smoking is prohibited inside the tournament grounds. Smoke from nearby Flushing Meadows‑Corona Park can still drift onto the courts, creating an unexpected distraction for athletes.

Impact on the match

After the brief pause, officials cleared the area and the match resumed. Sabalenka maintained her momentum, but the incident underscored the challenges of maintaining a focused environment at a major sporting event.

Broader concerns

Players have previously voiced frustration over the occasional cannabis odor, calling for stricter enforcement of the no‑smoking policy around the venue. Tournament organizers have yet to announce any new measures to prevent future occurrences.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.