Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy SimsFriday 04 September 2026 18:13 BSTThe defending champion was leading 2-0 in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova on Louis Armstrong Stadium when she halted the action (Reuters)World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her US Open third-round match after complaining about a strong smell of marijuana.The defending champion was leading 2-0 in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova on Louis Armstrong Stadium when she stopped play.Sabalenka raised the issue with umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, who contacted court officials using her radio before play resumed.Although smoking is strictly prohibited on site at Flushing Meadows, the smell of cannabis has been a recurring issue during the tournament.The United States Tennis Association has been approached for comment regarding the incident.In fullAryna Sabalenka halts US Open match over ‘strong’ smell of marijuanaMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in