Full Breakdown
Cannabis Odor Disrupts Sabalenka’s US Open Third-Round Match
9/6/2026, 9:17:46 PM
Core Event: Match Interrupted by Strong Cannabis Smell
On September 4, world number one Aryna Sabalenka halted play during her third-round US Open match at Louis Armstrong Stadium after detecting a strong odor of cannabis. Play resumed after the umpire consulted an official and made a smoking-gesture signal.
Background & Context
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older in New York, but smoking is prohibited inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The tournament grounds border Corona Park, where cannabis use is permitted, and wind can carry the odor onto the courts. Players have previously complained about the smell, including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, and recent comments from British players Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones have highlighted the issue.
Data & Statistics
- Sabalenka defeated Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4, advancing to the fourth round without dropping a set.
- She served 10 aces and faced zero break points.
- The win keeps her on a streak of 97 weeks as world number 1; she must win a third consecutive US Open title to retain the ranking.
- World number three Jessica Pegula, playing concurrently in Arthur Ashe Stadium, echoed Sabalenka’s concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
The USTA clarified that while off-site smoking cannot be fully controlled, the policy prohibits smoking on the tournament’s property.
Player Reactions (Criticism & Opposition)
She also linked the incident to broader concerns about influencer behavior and on-court etiquette.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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, two-time defending champion – “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, two-time defending champion
- “It makes it New York that it's so kind of all over the place and chaotic,” — Jessica Pegula – “It makes it New York that it's so kind of all over the place and chaotic,” — Jessica Pegula, world number three
- “As far as like the influencer things... tennis etiquette, it's something you have to learn as you go to these events,” — Jessica Pegula – “As far as like the influencer things… tennis etiquette, it's something you have to learn as you go to these events,” — Jessica Pegula
- “To be honest, I’m better than I thought,” — Arthur Rinderknech. Carlos Alcaraz, defending men's champion – “To be honest, I’m better than I thought,” — Arthur Rinderknech
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the tension between New York’s cannabis legalization and the US Open’s smoke-free policy. Repeated player complaints may prompt the USTA to review perimeter security and wind-mitigation measures to preserve match conditions. As the tournament progresses, the handling of such distractions could influence player performance and spectator experience, especially for top-seeded competitors defending titles.
