Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her US Open third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova at Flushing Meadows after complaining to the umpire about an overwhelming smell of marijuana drifting through the stands. The Belarusian, world number one, went on to win the match despite the disruption, but the episode has revived scrutiny of a recurring problem at the tournament since cannabis was legalised in New York.

Sabalenka was heard telling umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore "someone is smoking weed… do you mind? Because it's so strong" during Friday's match in Queens. According to the New York Post, the issue has worsened this year, with a nearby dispensary reportedly delivering cannabis to spectators at the tournament, its manager claiming it makes tennis "more entertaining" to watch while high.