Aryna Sabalenka voiced a complaint to the umpire after detecting a strong scent of cannabis during her third-round triumph over Kamilla Rakhimova at the US Open. The world number one dispatched the unseeded Russian in straight sets, 6-3 6-4, on the hard courts of Louis Armstrong Stadium, but the pleasant rhythm of the match was briefly interrupted when she raised the issue at the first changeover after taking a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Sabalenka approached umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and said, "I understand people can smoke what they want and relax, but please don’t do it around the tennis courts. It’s difficult to focus when that smell is in the air while you’re trying to give your best performance." She later explained to reporters that the odor made it "a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best." Tournament officials confirmed that no spectators were found smoking and consequently no one was removed from the venue.
Sabalenka added that she was unsure whether the smell originated from the crowd or drifted in from outside, noting that wind can carry scents into the stadium. She urged organizers and fans to be more mindful of such distractions, especially in a sport that demands intense concentration. U.S.
Tennis Association spokesman Brendan McIntyre responded, "While we cannot control what happens beyond the perimeter of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we remain vigilant in keeping the facility a smoke‑free environment." Despite the brief disturbance, Sabalenka’s game did not falter. She held serve flawlessly until the seventh game, when Rakhimova forced her into three deuce points. That was Rakhimova’s only genuine opening in the first set, which Sabalenka closed out 6-3. The second set proved more competitive; the Russian fought back, saving four break points and even holding serve four consecutive times.
However, Sabalenka broke in the ninth game, turning a 40‑0 lead for Rakhimova into a crucial break that allowed her to serve out the set and secure a spot in the round of 16. After the match, Sabalenka was asked about her off‑court commitments, a line of questioning that has occasionally sparked tension with reporters.
She emphasized that her numerous promotional appearances and brand engagements have not interfered with her preparation for Flushing Meadows. "I completely shut out any external noise," she said.
"I focus on myself, and if I work hard and stay disciplined, I give myself the best chance to play at a high level." Looking ahead, Sabalenka hopes to become the first player since Serena Williams (who won three consecutive US Open titles from 2012 to 2014) to claim three straight titles at the tournament. In the round of 16 she will meet American Taylor Townsend, who earned her place by defeating 13th seed Diana Shnaider 6-2 6-7(3-7) 6-3. Other notable results from the day included Jessica Pegula’s continued quest for a maiden Grand Slam crown. The third seed rallied from a set down to beat former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 1-6 6-4 6-3, and will face Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in the next round after the 16th seed dispatched Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-3 6-3.
On the men’s side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated why his comeback from a four‑month wrist injury has been so impressive. He defeated Wu Yibing in straight sets, 6-3 6-4 6-1, on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although the scoreline suggests dominance, Alcaraz was actually broken twice in the first two sets, showing that Wu gave him a serious test. The Spaniard described the match as a confidence‑boosting performance, noting, "In the toughest moments I did everything right, which makes me very happy.
Could it be better? Yes, but overall I’m proud of today’s performance.
Physically I thought I would be exhausted after the first match, but I’m recovering well and feel my level is strong." Alcaraz’s next opponent will be 20th‑seeded American Tommy Paul, who survived a grueling five‑set battle against 15th‑seed Alexander Bublik, winning 6-4 3-6 6-7(4-7) 6-1 6-3 in a match that lasted three hours and thirteen minutes. Elsewhere, seventh seed and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev continued his solid run by beating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4.
The US Open coverage remains live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.