Full Breakdown
Defending Champions Face On-Court and Off-Court Challenges at the 2026 US Open
9/6/2026, 8:43:31 PM
Core Event
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending U.S. Open champion, halted her third-round match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova after the smell of marijuana became “so strong” in Louis Armstrong Stadium. She proceeded to win 6-3, 6-4 and advance to the round of 16.
Two-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, returning from a four-month wrist injury, defeated China’s Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to move into the fourth round. The win kept his Grand Slam streak alive and set up a clash with No. 20 seed Tommy Paul.
Background & Context
Sabalenka entered New York seeking a third consecutive U.S. Open title, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams (2012-14). She had already logged a 14-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and had not dropped a set in her first two rounds.
Alcaraz missed the French Open, Wimbledon and the Rome Masters after a right-wrist injury in April. The 2026 tournament marked his first major appearance since that layoff, and he aimed to become the first man to defend the U.S. Open crown since Roger Federer (2004-08).
Data & Statistics
- Sabalenka lost only eight games across her first two matches and recorded 32 winners with 23 unforced errors against Camila Osorio.
- Alcaraz’s post-injury Grand Slam record stands at 30 wins in 31 matches, with a 17-match streak of major victories.
- In head-to-head meetings, Alcaraz leads Tommy Paul 6-2 and has won their last five encounters, all at Grand Slam or Olympic stages.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Tennis Association spokesperson Brendan McIntyre reiterated the venue’s smoke-free policy, noting that security teams enforce the rule when notified of violations.
Alcaraz described his physical state as “better than I thought” and emphasized that his body “feels good” after each match, crediting a gradual return to training and a focus on mental health.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media accounts differ on the source of the marijuana odor. Some reports attribute it to nearby park smokers, while others suggest it may have originated from spectators or staff in the stadium’s vicinity. No fan was identified or ejected, leaving the precise origin unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus and happy to be through this match,” — Aryna Sabalenka, AP sports writer
- “I don't know if it was, like, coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium,” — Aryna Sabalenka, AP sports writer
- “I know once I step on the court, I’ve just got to go for it every time. I’ve got to feel normal,” — Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion
- “I think today there was a really high rhythm,” — Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion
- “To be honest, I'm better than I thought,” — Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion
What’s Next
- Sabalenka will meet Taylor Townsend in the round of 16, marking her first career encounter with the American.
- Alcaraz is slated to face Tommy Paul in the fourth round, a matchup that could determine whether he repeats as U.S. Open champion.
