Aryna Sabalenka advances despite cannabis smell

Aryna Sabalenka moved into the US Open last 16 despite being disrupted by the smell of cannabis around Louis Armstrong Stadium. The world number one, who is defending her title, raised the issue during her match and continued her progress in New York.

Sabalenka defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 on Friday. The incident occurred in the third game of the opening set, while Sabalenka was serving at 30-0. She alerted the umpire and also addressed spectators, asking them not to smoke close to the tennis courts. She said the smell was especially strong and that wind may have carried it into the stadium from outside.

After the match, Sabalenka said the odour made it difficult to perform at her highest level during a major competition. She expressed hope that spectators would take greater care during the rest of the tournament. Her complaint follows another recent criticism of the Flushing Meadows atmosphere, with Adrian Mannarino describing the US Open as increasingly resembling a zoo because of the behaviour and noise in the stands. Sabalenka, however, overcame the distraction to remain in contention for a third consecutive title.