Aryna Sabalenka faced an unusual interruption during her match against Kamilla Rakhimova at the US Open on September 1, 2026. As the top seed, Sabalenka had taken a 3-0 lead in the first set when she alerted umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore about a strong smell of cannabis, stating, "someone is smoking weed."

The umpire responded by making a smoking gesture and contacted officials before play resumed. Despite the distraction, the two-time defending champion dominated the match, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

This incident is not isolated; other players, including Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Francesca Jones, have reported similar experiences at this year's tournament. Although smoking is prohibited at Flushing Meadows, the scent often drifts from nearby Corona Park, where it is legal for adults aged 21 and over.

With this win, Sabalenka extended her winning streak at the US Open to 16 matches, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive singles titles from 2012 to 2014. Sabalenka's powerful performance included 10 aces and she faced no break points throughout the match.

Looking ahead, she will face either Taylor Townsend or Diana Shnaider, the latter having defeated her in the French Open quarter-finals earlier this year.