Aryna Sabalenka Halts Match Due to Cannabis Smell at US Open 2026, Advances to Round 4 with Impressive Form

In a rare occurrence at Flushing Meadows, world number one Aryna Sabalenka had to pause her third-round match at the 2026 US Open due to an unusual smell. The incident occurred when she was leading 3-0 against opponent Kamilla Rakhimova, a moment that generated global sports media attention. Sabalenka ultimately completed the match with a 6-3, 6-4 victory, advancing to face Taylor Townsend in the next elimination round. This result not only affirmed her position as the two-time defending champion but also showed she is regaining her peak form after a period of below-expectation performances leading up to the tournament. According to match records, Sabalenka served impressively with 10 aces and did not allow her opponent a single break point opportunity. This is clear evidence that her aggressive baseline attacking style remains effective on New York's hard courts, despite the interruption caused by the smell incident. When asked about the incident at the post-match press conference, Sabalenka did not hide her discomfort. "The smell was really unpleasant and it affected my concentration," she shared. "But I tried to push through and maintain my playing rhythm. Fortunately, I had built a sufficient lead before the incident occurred." Match referee Eva Asderaki-Moore recorded Sabalenka's reaction and handled the situation following Grand Slam standard procedures. The context of the incident must be viewed within the current legal framework in New York. Cannabis was legalized in New York State in 2026, meaning its use in permitted areas around the venue is legal. However, this marks the first time a top player has publicly reacted to such an issue during an official match. Ranking protection pressure Behind Sabalenka's impressive victory lies an undeniable reality: she faces unprecedented ranking point protection pressure. With the world number one position maintained for 97 weeks, Sabalenka is the defending US Open champion for two consecutive years. This means she must successfully defend her title if she wants to retain the top spot. If Sabalenka fails to win the championship, she will lose a significant amount of points. The only scenario for her to maintain the number one ranking without winning is if Elena Rybakina, her direct competitor, is eliminated early in the semifinals or sooner. Rybakina currently sits second in the rankings and has been in strong form this season. Before the US Open, Sabalenka acknowledged she was experiencing "one of the most difficult periods in years." She failed to reach any finals since Indian Wells and Miami, the two tournaments she played at the start of the season. However, her third-round performance shows she has quickly regained confidence and the necessary competitive rhythm. A tense press conference The on-court incident was not the only moment that made Sabalenka the center of attention at this year's US Open. The post-match press conference featured a memorable confrontation between her and a journalist. The journalist questioned Sabalenka's pre-tournament activities, hinting at images she shared on social media for commercial brands. The question implied she may have spent too much time on commercial activities rather than focusing on training. Sabalenka's response was swift and decisive. "You guys are a joke," she said directly. "Think before you say anything." Her tone showed dissatisfaction with media reporting while affirming she always prioritizes her career. This incident reflects a reality in elite sports: top athletes not only face competitive pressure but must also manage their public image and media relationships. For Sabalenka, publicly defending herself may be a strategy to establish clear boundaries with the press. The road ahead Taylor Townsend, Sabalenka's next opponent in the fourth round, is not an easy challenge. The American player has had an impressive run at this year's US Open, having surprised with strong performances in previous rounds. With home court advantage and fan support, Townsend could pose a real challenge to the defending champion. From a tactical perspective, Sabalenka will need to maintain her serving performance as she did against Rakhimova. 10 aces and zero break points faced are numbers showing she is well controlling match rhythm from the service position. If she can continue this, her chances of advancing to the quarterfinals are very high. On the world rankings, the race to the top remains intensely competitive. Carlos Alcaraz, representing the new generation, is also delivering impressive performances with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 fourth-round victory in his comeback from injury. Daniil Medvedev is also advancing deep into the tournament, creating a multi-dimensional competitive picture in both the men's and women's draws. Broader implications The cannabis smell incident at the US Open opens a question about the competitive environment at Grand Slam tournaments. As cannabis legalization spreads across U.S. states, tournaments may need to reconsider policies controlling the environment around courts. This is not just Sabalenka's issue but could affect many other players in the future. For Sabalenka, the third-round victory is an important stepping stone in her title defense journey. She has proven that despite unexpected incidents or media pressure, she can still focus on her main goal: winning a third consecutive US Open championship. The next challenge comes with Taylor Townsend and an audience that may continue to pressure the world number one from Belarus.