Sabalenka Halts US Open Match Due to Cannabis Smell

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion at the US Open, briefly paused her match against Kamilla Rakhimova due to the distinct smell of cannabis on the court. The Belarusian player expressed her discomfort, stating it was "tricky to handle when you’re trying to compete."

Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka maintained her focus and proceeded to win the match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, advancing to the fourth round. The incident highlights a unique challenge faced by athletes during competition, where external environmental factors can potentially impact performance.