NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world No. 1 and two-time defending champion, experienced an unusual interruption during her third-round match at the U.S. Open when she paused play to inform the chair umpire about a strong smell of marijuana in Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest venue at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Sabalenka was in the midst of her match against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, leading 2-0 in the first set, when she gestured to her team and approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore. "Someone is smoking weed, so do you mind ... Because it’s so strong," she stated, highlighting the distraction caused by the odor.
Asderaki-Moore communicated Sabalenka's concerns to the tournament officials, using hand gestures to indicate the source of the smell. Following her victory, which concluded with a score of 6-3, 6-4, Sabalenka addressed the incident in her post-match press conference, stating that while the smell was noticeable, it did not significantly impact her performance. "I was like, guys you can do whatever, smoke whatever, relax as much as you can but don’t do it around a tennis court," she remarked.
Sabalenka acknowledged the challenges posed by the smell, noting, "It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell and perform at your best. It was a bit windy; I don’t know whether it was coming from the crowd or from outside." Her comments reflect the unique atmosphere of the U.S. Open, where the tournament's location in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park often leads to interactions between the event and the public space surrounding it.
While recreational marijuana use is legal in New York, the U.S. Open maintains a strict policy prohibiting smoking, vaping, and the use of electronic smoking devices on-site. Despite this, players have reported encountering the smell of marijuana during previous tournaments, particularly near Stadium 17. This year has been no different, as the aroma has been noted by various competitors.
The U.S. Open, which takes place over three weeks each year, has a complicated relationship with its environment. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) rents the complex from the city and contributes funds to the park, yet the influx of visitors and the logistical demands of a major sporting event can strain the local area.
Following her match, Sabalenka is set to advance to the next round, where she will face either Taylor Townsend or Diana Shnaider. As the tournament progresses, players will continue to navigate not only their opponents but also the unique challenges presented by the venue itself.
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