Politics · Singapore Bureau
Sabalenka halts US Open match to report cannabis odour at court
World number one Aryna Sabalenka interrupted her third-round match at the US Open on Friday after detecting a strong smell of cannabis wafting onto the court. The Belarusian player alerted the umpire to the disturbance during the match at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
LSN Singapore ·
Sabalenka's complaint marked an unusual disruption at one of tennis's premier tournaments. The world's top-ranked player paused proceedings to bring the matter to the attention of match officials, who would have assessed the situation and determined appropriate action.
The incident underscored the challenges faced by tournament organisers in managing external factors that can affect competitive play. Major sporting events held in public venues occasionally contend with environmental disturbances from surrounding areas.
Sabalenka's decision to flag the issue reflected her focus on maintaining optimal conditions for her performance. Professional athletes competing at the highest levels often seek to minimise distractions that could impact their concentration and play quality during crucial matches.
The US Open, held annually at Flushing Meadows in Queens, attracts thousands of spectators and operates across multiple courts with varying proximity to surrounding neighbourhoods. Tournament officials work to ensure that on-court conditions meet standards expected for elite international competition.