'It's so strong' - Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell
Aryna Sabalenka, the top‑seed and two‑time defending champion, paused her second‑round match at the US Open after a strong smell of cannabis drifted onto the court while she led Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 3‑0 in the first set. Sabalenka alerted umpire Eva Asderaki‑Moore, who radioed a nearby official and made a smoking gesture before play resumed. The Belarusian went on to win the match 6‑3, 6‑4, securing her 16th consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows and moving into the fourth round where she will meet American crowd‑favorite Taylor Townsend.
The incident highlights a recurring issue at the tournament: the scent of cannabis, legal for adults in New York, often wafts from nearby Corona Park into the stadium despite a ban on smoking at the venue. Sabalenka, who was unsure whether the odor originated from spectators or the wind, urged fans to be more mindful, noting the difficulty of competing while distracted by the smell. She joins a list of players who have complained this year, including Britain’s Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones, and echoes past grievances from Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev about similar distractions.
Sabalenka’s win keeps her on a quest for a fifth Grand Slam title and a possible third consecutive US Open crown, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams in 2012‑14. The broader tournament narrative saw several other notable results: Karolina Muchova, the highest‑seeded woman to fall so far, was upset by Emma Navarro; Jessica Pegula rallied past Leylah Fernandez to stay alive for her first major; and Ukrainian seed Marta Kostyuk advanced to the last‑16. The cannabis‑smell controversy, coupled with these on‑court developments, underscores the blend of off‑court distractions and high‑stakes competition shaping this year’s US Open.
⚡ Effects Interpreter
🌍World Economy
- ▶Trade and investment between countries could shift a little if things escalate.
- ▶Global supply chains might feel a small tremor as businesses adjust.
🏙️Local Economy
- ▶Match days can lift takings for nearby businesses.
- ▶The buzz around big fixtures spreads to the local economy.
🏦Rates & Banks
- ▶Savers might glance at their account rate — lenders adjust after big events.
- ▶Any move in rates would probably come later, not overnight.
❤️Health
- ▶Fans' hearts race with the drama — in a mostly good way.
- ▶Cheering on a team can lift community spirits.
💷Wealth
- ▶Long-term savers usually ride out these small bumps just fine.
- ▶Any hit to your money is more likely a ripple than a wave.
🏠Housing
- ▶The property market tends to move slowly, so expect any change to take time.
- ▶Mortgage deals could edge around if lenders read the wider mood.