Aryna Sabalenka Responds to Viral Smoking Incident During her US Open Third Round Clash

During her matches at Flushing Meadows, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka encountered an unexpected distraction that quickly turned into a major talking point off the court. While trying to lock in during her campaign, the world-class athlete was repeatedly hit by a distinct odor drifting across the grounds. Addressing the media later, she humorously noted that the persistent smell made her feel like she might catch a contact high just from standing on the court.

The top-seeded Belarusian star explained that while spectators are free to do as they please outside the tournament, the pungent scent crossed a line when it interfered with athletic focus.

She pointed out that changing wind patterns inside the venue carried the strong aroma directly from the surrounding crowd or outside areas. Although she handled the bizarre situation with lighthearted humor, she expressed hope that individuals would exercise more situational awareness. Sabalenka said in her press conference

High? The level? Now I can only hear weed stuff. If they’re gonna keep smoking I might get high. I was like, guys you can do whatever. You can smoke, whatever. You can relax as much as you can. But please don’t do it around the tennis courts. It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best. I don’t know if it was coming from the crowd or the outside because wind blows it into the stadium. I just hope they’re gonna be a bit more aware of that stuff.

The unusual incident immediately went viral across social media platforms, in sharp contrast to the usual tactical match breakdowns expected at Grand Slam press conferences. Reporters pressed her on whether she had ever experienced anything quite like it at other major tournaments across the globe. Sabalenka firmly maintained that the intensity of the cannabis scent at the US Open was entirely unprecedented in her professional career.

Aryna Sabalenka spoke in press about someone smoking weed during her match at the US Open

“How much of a high are you on over here compared to the other majors?”

Aryna: “High? The level? Now I can only hear weed stuff. If they’re gonna keep smoking I might get high.”… pic.twitter.com/CZ1R2CbgaG

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2026

As the tournament progressed, her primary focus quickly pivoted back to defending her prestigious hard-court title against elite competition. The lighter moment provided a humorous break from the intense physical demands players face during the grueling two-week calendar stretch in New York. Ultimately, the tennis star proved that she could handle unexpected environmental curveballs just as easily as formidable opponents across the net.

Aryna Sabalenka advances at the US Open

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the fourth round of the tournament with a dominant straight-sets victory over Kamilla Rakhimova. The top-seeded star controlled the baseline exchanges from the opening game to dismantle her opponent’s defensive strategies. Her powerful groundstrokes and precise serving kept Rakhimova under constant pressure throughout both sets.

The victory reinforces Sabalenka’s status as the heavy favorite to lift another hard-court Grand Slam trophy in New York. She capitalized on crucial break points while neutralizing any potential momentum swings attempted by her opponent. Her aggressive style of play left very little room for unforced errors during critical stretches of the match.

Moving deeper into the draw, Sabalenka continues to display the championship mentality that carried her to previous triumphs. Her ability to refocus immediately after bizarre off-court distractions highlights her mental toughness under high-pressure scenarios. Fans and analysts alike expect her to maintain this ruthless efficiency as the competition intensifies in the second week.

The comprehensive win marks another milestone in Sabalenka’s stellar run at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. She will now look forward to her upcoming matches as she moves one step closer to defending her crown. Each round brings new challenges, but her current form suggests she is fully prepared for whatever comes her way.

Jessica Pegula battles through to the next round

American third seed Jessica Pegula fought her way into the fourth round following a grueling three-set victory over Leylah Fernandez. The local favorite dropped a tightly contested opening set before finding her rhythm to turn the match around. Fernandez utilized deep, left-handed groundstrokes to keep Pegula off balance during the early exchanges.

Pegula admitted in her post-match interview that she never feels entirely comfortable playing against such a resilient competitor. Trailing after the first set, the American dug deep into her tactical playbook to secure crucial breaks in the second frame. Her serving statistics needed fine-tuning, but her defensive resilience ultimately carried her through the deciding set.

The hard-fought triumph demonstrates the grit and composure that define Pegula’s status as a top-tier title contender. Playing back at Arthur Ashe Stadium brought back memories of her previous deep runs at the tournament. She managed to solve Fernandez’s tactical variations by stepping closer to the baseline and dictating the pace.

Looking ahead, Pegula is scheduled to face Sorana Cirstea in the round of 16. She will need to address her early-match sluggishness to ensure a smoother path against her next opponent. Nevertheless, her proven ability to problem-solve mid-match keeps her firmly in contention for the championship title.

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