Sport · India Bureau
Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Over Marijuana Odour Issue
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka interrupted her third-round US Open match to alert officials about a strong marijuana smell wafting through the stadium. The unusual incident occurred during her encounter against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova at Flushing Meadows in New York.
LSN India ·
Sabalenka brought the match to a halt and notified the umpire of the odour emanating from somewhere within or around the playing venue. The world-ranked player's complaint led to a temporary pause in proceedings as officials investigated the source of the distraction.
The incident marked an unusual interruption at one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments. While outdoor sporting events occasionally experience such environmental intrusions, formal complaints during matches remain relatively rare at Grand Slam competitions.
Sabalenka's decision to flag the issue reflected her concerns about the playing conditions and concentration levels required during high-stakes professional tennis. Tournament officials acknowledged the matter as the match subsequently resumed.
The complaint highlights the challenges faced by event organisers in maintaining optimal conditions at large sporting venues where crowds and surrounding areas can present unexpected environmental factors. The US Open, held annually at the USTA National Tennis Center in Queens, draws hundreds of thousands of spectators across its two-week duration.