World number one Aryna Sabalenka experienced an unusual interruption during her third-round match at the U.S. Open on Friday. While playing at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Sabalenka stopped play to alert the umpire to a strong smell of cannabis drifting onto the court.
The distraction occurred during her contest against Kamilla Rakhimova. Sabalenka was bothered by the smell of marijuana, which caused a brief halt in the action.
Despite the interruption, Sabalenka went on to win the match in straight sets. With the victory, she has reached the fourth round of the tournament.