Cannabis Cloud Can't Stop Sabalenka as Alcaraz Rolls On at US Open

The smell of cannabis drifting across the court stopped the world's most dominant female tennis player mid-serve on Friday night in New York. Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending US Open champion, was leading 2-0 in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova when she paused, turned to her player's box, and then marched toward the chair umpire with a complaint that has become an increasingly familiar soundtrack to this tournament.

Cannabis Cloud Can't Stop Sabalenka as Alcaraz Rolls On at Flushing Meadows

New York, United States - The Belarusian world No 1, who has held the top ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, was in complete control of her third-round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium when the pungent aroma interrupted her rhythm. Sabalenka, leading 2-0 in the opening set, approached umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and delivered a message that was picked up by television microphones: "Someone is smoking weed... because it's so strong." The umpire relayed the complaint to tournament officials, gesturing as if someone was smoking nearby.

Sabalenka eventually completed a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Rakhimova to reach the last 16 without dropping a set at this year's tournament. She faced no break points against the Uzbekistani opponent and extended her winning streak in New York to 16 matches. But the off-court drama threatened to overshadow another clinical performance from the two-time defending champion.

A Familiar Smell Returns to Flushing Meadows

After the match, Sabalenka did not hold back when describing the intensity of the smell. She said it was the strongest she had experienced in her years competing in New York, noting that the windy conditions made it difficult to determine whether the odour came from the crowd or drifted in from outside the stadium. "It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," she said. The 28-year-old added that fans can do what they like in their personal lives but pleaded: "please don't do it around the tennis courts."

Tournament officials confirmed they did not find any fans smoking inside Louis Armstrong Stadium during her match. The incident highlights a recurring issue at the US Open, where recreational cannabis is legal in New York for adults 21 and over, but smoking and vaping are prohibited on tournament grounds and on the surrounding park property. The United States Tennis Association says it constantly works with the NYPD and the Parks Department to reduce smoking near the site. Local media reports indicate dispensaries near Flushing Meadows have even been delivering to fans during the tournament.

Alcaraz Continues Remarkable Comeback

While Sabalenka dealt with the olfactory distractions, Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive return to competitive tennis on Friday. The Spanish defending champion, playing in his first tournament since a four-and-a-half-month layoff following a right wrist injury at the beginning of April, dispatched China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to reach the last 16.

Alcaraz, who has looked increasingly sharp with each passing round, admitted his recovery has exceeded expectations. "To be honest, I'm better than I thought. Physically, I thought I was going to be bad after the first match but I'm recovering really well," he said. "Every time I step on to the court, I give it my all." The 23-year-old's next challenge comes against American 20th seed Tommy Paul, who battled past 15th seed Alexander Bublik in a five-set marathon that finished 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-3.

Sabalenka Faces American Test in Townsend

Sabalenka's fourth-round opponent will be American Taylor Townsend, the world No 96 who turned 30 this year. Townsend secured her place in the second week with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3 victory over 15th seed Diana Shnaider on Friday. This will be the first career meeting between Sabalenka and Townsend, who has now reached the second week of a Grand Slam three times - all at the US Open.

Townsend said afterwards she was "pumped" for the opportunity to face the world No 1 on home soil. The American left-hander's serve-and-volley game could pose an interesting tactical challenge for Sabalenka, who has looked untouchable through her first three matches. Tennis Majors reports that Sabalenka may need to win the title to maintain her world No 1 ranking, adding extra significance to her quest for a third consecutive US Open crown.

South Africa's Lloyd Harris Shows Signs of Resurgence

While the headlines focus on the sport's biggest names, South Africa's top-ranked man has been quietly rebuilding his career at Flushing Meadows. Lloyd Harris, the 29-year-old from Cape Town currently ranked world No 139, came through qualifying with three victories - beating Bernard Tomic 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, Henrique Rocha 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(12-10), and Pablo Llamas Ruiz 7-6(3), 6-3 - to earn his place in the main draw.

Harris then produced a statement performance in the first round, dispatching American wildcard Jack Kennedy 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 with 16 aces. It was a reminder of the talent that carried him to the US Open quarter-finals in 2021 and a career-high ranking of 31. Just twelve months ago, Harris was ranked around 353 in the world, battling back from injury and struggling to find his form.

Harris Falls to Tsitsipas in Second-Round Epic

The South African's run came to an end on Wednesday in a second-round clash against former world No 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas. Harris pushed the Greek star to the limit before falling 6-7(1), 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a gruelling three hours and 27 minutes. The match showcased Harris's fighting spirit and his improved fitness, but ultimately Tsitsipas's experience and firepower proved decisive in the crucial moments.

Despite the defeat, Harris's performance in New York represents a significant step forward in his comeback journey. The 29-year-old's run through qualifying and his competitive showing against Tsitsipas suggest he is regaining the form that made him South Africa's leading male player. For South African tennis fans, Harris's resurgence offers hope that the country may soon have a genuine contender on the men's tour once again.

Anderson's 2017 Legacy Looms Large

Kevin Anderson remains the most recent South African man to reach a US Open final, achieving that feat in 2017 when he defeated Pablo Carreño Busta in the semi-finals before falling to Rafael Nadal in the championship match. Anderson's run to that final, powered by his booming serve and relentless determination, remains one of the great moments in South African tennis history.

Harris's 2021 quarter-final run showed that South African men can still compete at the highest level of the sport, and his current resurgence suggests he may have more deep runs in him. The development pathway from South Africa to the top of world tennis remains challenging, but players like Harris and the legacy of Anderson provide inspiration for the next generation coming through the country's tennis programmes.

Fourth-Round Action Continues Today

Today the fourth-round matches continue in New York as the tournament builds toward its closing weekend. Sabalenka will face Townsend in what promises to be an intriguing contrast of styles, while Alcaraz takes on Paul in a match that could define the American's tournament. The remaining players in the draw will be watching closely, knowing that every match from this point forward carries enormous significance.

For Sabalenka, the cannabis incident on Friday was an unwelcome distraction, but it also demonstrated her ability to maintain focus under unusual circumstances. The world No 1 has not dropped a set at this year's tournament and appears to be peaking at exactly the right time. Her 16-match winning streak in New York is a testament to her dominance on these courts, where she has established herself as the player to beat.

The US Open has always been known for its unique atmosphere, and the recurring cannabis issue has become part of the tournament's modern character. Players have complained about the smell for years, and tournament officials continue to work with local authorities to address the problem. But as Sabalenka's experience on Friday showed, the issue is not easily solved, particularly when the wind carries scents from outside the stadium grounds.

As the tournament enters its decisive phase, the focus will shift back to the tennis. Sabalenka's quest for a third consecutive title, Alcaraz's remarkable comeback from injury, and the emergence of new challengers all promise to make the coming days compelling viewing. For South African fans, Harris's qualifying run and competitive showing against Tsitsipas provided plenty of encouragement, even if his tournament ended earlier than he would have hoped.

The fourth-round matches today will begin to shape the final picture of this year's US Open. With the world's best players all still in contention, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season's final Grand Slam. Sabalenka will be determined to put Friday's distraction behind her and continue her march toward history, while Alcaraz will look to prove that his comeback is complete with another deep run at Flushing Meadows.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, The Athletic, News24, Tennis Majors, WTA.

By Dante Williams, Staff Writer