Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open campaign took an unexpected turn during her third-round match in New York after the tennis superstar suddenly complained about a strong cannabis smell inside the stadium. The defending US Open champion was facing Kamilla Rakhimova at Louis Armstrong Stadium when an unusual distraction forced her to address the chair umpire. The surprising moment quickly caught the attention of tennis fans, sparking conversations across social media about spectator behaviour at the 2025 US Open.
During the match, Sabalenka reportedly turned toward chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and said, “Someone is smoking weed.” The world No. 1 appeared concerned about the powerful smell affecting her concentration during the high-pressure Grand Slam contest. With thousands of spectators watching in New York, the unexpected complaint created a memorable interruption that many fans did not expect to see during a major tennis match.
Despite the strange distraction, Aryna Sabalenka maintained her composure and continued competing against Rakhimova. The Belarusian tennis star eventually secured a straight-sets victory, winning 6-3, 6-4, and advancing to the fourth round of the US Open. Her performance demonstrated the intense focus required to compete at the highest level, even when unexpected incidents occur on the court.
The incident also raised questions about cannabis smoking at the US Open and the experience of professional athletes competing in large stadiums. Although recreational cannabis is legal for adults in New York, smoking is prohibited inside the tournament grounds. Sabalenka’s complaint highlighted how strong smells and crowd-related distractions can become an issue during important matches, particularly when players are trying to maintain their concentration.
For American tennis fans following the US Open, Sabalenka’s unusual complaint became one of the talking points surrounding her third-round victory. From the unexpected cannabis smell to her eventual progress in the tournament, the incident added a surprising twist to her New York campaign. As fans continue following the Grand Slam action, many will remember the moment when one of tennis’s biggest stars paused to question what was happening in the stands.