Sabalenka Halts US Open 3rd-Round Match Over Marijuana Smoke
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 4
Sabalenka Halts US Open 3rd-Round Match Over Marijuana Smoke
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 4
Summary
Aryna Sabalenka briefly stopped her third-round US Open match in Queens on Friday to tell umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that marijuana smoke from the crowd was "so strong."
The Belarusian made the complaint during her match against Kamilla Rakhimova, highlighting how the odor had become disruptive enough to affect play.
Sabalenka still went on to beat Rakhimova, but the incident renewed scrutiny of a recurring issue at the tournament since marijuana legalization in New York.
The New York Post reported that nearby dispensaries are even delivering cannabis to fans during this year's event, underscoring how the problem extends beyond isolated smoking in the stands.