World News
Aryna Sabalenka advances at US Open after halting match over cannabis smell
The defending champion raised the issue with the umpire before securing a straight-sets win.
The short version
- Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her US Open third-round match while leading 3-0 to alert the chair umpire to a strong cannabis smell.[The Guardian]
- Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round without dropping a set.[The Guardian]
- The exact source of the odor remained unclear, with Sabalenka suggesting the wind may have blown it in from outside.[The Guardian]
- Sabalenka faces pressure to retain her No 1 ranking, needing to win the tournament while hoping Elena Rybakina exits before the semifinals.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Aryna Sabalenka briefly stopped her match to complain about a strong smell of cannabis on the court.[The Guardian]
- While leading 3-0, Sabalenka approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore regarding the odor.[The Guardian]
- Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the fourth round without dropping a set.[The Guardian]
- Sabalenka must win the tournament and rely on Elena Rybakina losing prior to the semifinals to keep her No 1 ranking.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The precise origin of the cannabis smell was unknown, with Sabalenka stating it could have originated inside the crowd or blown in from outside the stadium.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.