World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced an unusual distraction during her US Open campaign when she stopped play briefly to alert the umpire about a strong marijuana smell on court.

The incident happened during her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka was leading early in the opening set when she approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and pointed out the odour, saying it was affecting her concentration.

“Someone is smoking weed… would you mind, because it’s so strong,” Sabalenka told the umpire during the interruption. Tournament officials looked into the matter, but no specific person was identified or removed from the venue.

Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka regained focus and defeated Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to continue her US Open title defence.

After the match, Sabalenka clarified that she was not objecting to people enjoying themselves but requested spectators avoid smoking near tennis courts because it can distract players during competition.

“I just hope they are a bit more aware of that stuff,” Sabalenka said while discussing the incident. She suggested that wind may have carried the smell into the stadium from outside areas.

The issue of cannabis odour has been reported at the US Open in previous years as well. While recreational cannabis use is legal in New York, smoking is prohibited inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the tournament is held. Officials said they continue to maintain a smoke-free environment at the venue.

Sabalenka, the defending championin New York, remains one of the leading contenders for the women’s singles title as she continues her bid for another US Open crown.