Aryna Sabalenka: Belarus’s star female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has made it to the round of 16 of the US Open 2026. In the third round match, she defeated Kamila Rakhimova of Uzbekistan in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. However, in this match, her stoppage of the match was more talked about than Aryna Sabalenka’s victory. Sabalenka did this when she saw someone smoking marijuana in the stands packed with spectators.
Sabalenka stopped her match due to smoking marijuana
At that time, Aryna Sabalenka was leading 2-0 in the first set of the match. When she went to take the serve, she smelled marijuana, which is colloquially called ganja, coming from the spectators. She stopped her game there and informed the umpire about it. The video of this incident that happened during US Open 2026 is now viral.
Aryna Sabalenka stopped her match at the US Open by a spectator who was smoking marihuana in the tribune.
“It is very strong”.
Things she loves in New York. pic.twitter.com/iZ02IIyUab
— Tiempo De Tennis (@Tiempodetenis1) September 4, 2026
What did Sabalenka say on the marijuana incident?
Sabalenka said after the match that you can drink whatever you want but stay away from the tennis court. Can’t smoke marijuana near him. Its smell makes it difficult to play.
“If you smoke like that, you will fall asleep after taking a term drug.”
Aryna Sabalenka: “Chicos, you can smoke what you want and relax, but please do not smoke it near the track. It is difficult to compete at the highest level with this smell.” pic.twitter.com/KI3u5unA4D
— Tiempo De Tennis (@Tiempodetenis1) September 4, 2026
What is the secret of the sparkling necklace?
Sabalenka is playing in the US Open wearing a special kind of shining necklace. It has also been prepared on the theme of US Open. Sabalenka jokingly said after the match that the necklace was part of her plan. With her shine she distracts the attention of her opponents.
Aryna Sabalenka spoke about her necklace after reaching the Round of 16 at the US Open
My main tactic is to distract my opponents with the sparkles
pic.twitter.com/Xoyq96i4v1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2026
Aryna Sabalenka will now face Taylor Townsend of USA in the round of 16 of US Open 2026.