Aryna Sabalenka pauses U.S. Open match due to ‘very strong’ smell of marijuana in stadium
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1 and two-time defending U.S. Open champion, paused her third-round match to alert officials about the strong smell of marijuana smoke in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
- Despite the disruption, Sabalenka won her match against Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 and said the smell made it tricky to perform at her best.
- The USTA enforces a smoke-free policy at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, working with NYPD and Parks Department to reduce smoking near the venue, although recreational marijuana use is legal in New York.
- The U.S. Open takes place in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and the tournament’s presence has long created tension with the surrounding neighborhood due to traffic and parking issues.
- Sabalenka will face either Taylor Townsend or Diana Shnaider in the fourth round.
