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Sabalenka reports weed odor, then wins US Open match

9/5/2026

Summary

Sabalenka Calls Weed

Aryna Sabalenka stopped her US Open third-round match, telling chair umpire someone was smoking weed.
Play resumed and Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
The USTA reiterated its smoke-free policy, noting smoking is prohibited on tournament grounds despite New York legalization.
Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski urged organizers to ban cannabis smoking after players, including Katie Boulter, called the odor distracting.

Summary

Alcaraz Serves

Carlos Alcaraz recorded a 117 mph serve in his third-round win, saying he feels better after a four-month wrist injury.
Serena and Venus Williams lost to Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (10-7).
Ben Shelton defeated Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 and will face Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked No. 53, beat 18th seed Jiri Lehecka 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-1.

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Sabalenka Calls Weed

Aryna Sabalenka stopped her US Open third-round match, telling chair umpire someone was smoking weed.
Play resumed and Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
The USTA reiterated its smoke-free policy, noting smoking is prohibited on tournament grounds despite New York legalization.
Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski urged organizers to ban cannabis smoking after players, including Katie Boulter, called the odor distracting.

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