Source: ESPN Tennis
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced an unusual distraction during her third-round match at the US Open when she halted play due to a strong smell of cannabis permeating Louis Armstrong Stadium. The interruption highlighted the challenges players can face off the court, but Sabalenka managed to maintain her focus and ultimately won the match against Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets. This incident adds to the growing narrative around player experiences at the tournament, particularly in relation to the atmosphere in the stadiums. Sabalenka's ability to overcome this distraction speaks to her mental toughness as she advances in the competition.
