Sabalenka Interrupts US Open Match over Cannabis Smell
The world number one paused play after reporting a strong cannabis smell, an interruption Reuters said came during her third-round match.
- On Friday, world number one Aryna Sabalenka stopped her third-round US Open match at Louis Armstrong Stadium to alert umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore about a strong smell of cannabis drifting onto the court.
- Recreational cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in New York, and smoke from surrounding Flushing Meadows-Corona Park frequently drifts into the tennis complex, explaining the recurring distraction for players.
- Sabalenka told umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, "Someone is smoking weed," adding, "Would you mind to... because it's so strong." Asderaki-Moore then made a smoking gesture to an official on her radio.
- Before the interruption during her second service game, the two-time defending champion had established a 2-0 lead against Kamilla Rakhimova; play resumed after the brief exchange with officials.
- While smoking is prohibited on the Flushing Meadows tournament site, the cannabis odor has become a familiar recurring issue for athletes competing at the event this week.
21 Articles
21 Articles
'Someone is smoking weed': Aryna Sabalenka halts play mid-game at US Open, complains for strong smell
In an unexpected turn during her US Open match, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was distracted by a strong cannabis odor. Noticing the smell while facing Kamilla Rakhimova, she promptly alerted the chair umpire, leading to a consultation with tournament officials. This peculiar incident is reportedly linked to park regulations in the area. Despite the unusual challenge, Sabalenka maintained her composure and triumphed in straight sets to advanc…
Aryna Sabalenka Interrupts US Open Match over Cannabis Smell: Defending Champion Advances to Last 16
Aryna Sabalenka temporarily interrupted her match in the third round of the US Open on Friday. The reason was a strong smell of cannabis in the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian eventually advanced easily to the last sixteen.
High drama at US Open: Aryna Sabalenka halts match, claims spectator smoked weed
Aryna Sabalenka stopped play during her US Open match and told the umpire a spectator was smoking marijuana. The brief disruption added to player complaints about crowd behaviour and the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows.
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