Aryna Sabalenka paused her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova to speak to the umpire at the US Open about someone smoking weed Friday at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The World No. 1 was up 2-0 in the first set when she turned and said something to the crowd before walking over to umpire Eva Asderaki‑Moore.
“Someone is smoking weed,” Sabalenka said. “Do you mind? Because it’s so strong.”
Aryna Sabalenka had to speak to the umpire mid-match at the U.S. Open due to someone smoking weed:
“Someone is smoking weed. Do you mind? Because it’s so strong.”
pic.twitter.com/Fx2JnzZ6QN— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2026
The umpire said, “Yeah,” and made a smoking gesture to someone to her right before play resumed.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is a strictly smoke-free facility where smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited.
Recreational marijuana use is legal in New York City.
The two-time defending champion beat Rakhimova, 6‑3, 6‑4, for her 16th consecutive U.S. Open victory.
“Honestly, it was the first time I played the 11 a.m. session on Louis Armstrong, and it was a full stadium. I’m so grateful,” Sabalenka said afterward. “It’s a dream, and thank you guys for supporting me.”
Sabalenka also complimented her opponent’s “incredible” tennis.
“She pushed me so hard in the second set,” she said. “She made me work hard and try my best. I’m super happy to close this match in straight sets.”
Sabalenka will face the winner of the third-round match between Taylor Townsend and No. 15 seed Diana Shnaider in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
She’s aiming to become the first player to win three straight US. Open championships since Serena Williams in 2014 by winning this year’s edition.
She defeated Jessica Pegula in the 2024 final and Amanda Anisimova last year.
