World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka paused her second‑round match at the 2024 US Open after a strong odor of cannabis drifted into Arthur Ashe Stadium, prompting the Belarusian to joke that she might “get high” herself if the smell did not stop. The interruption lasted only a few minutes before play resumed, and Sabalenka went on to win the match in straight sets against Kamilla Rakhimova. The episode drew attention to the challenges of managing external environmental factors at major sporting events, especially in jurisdictions where recreational marijuana is legal.
What happened
During the second set of her match against Rakhimova, Sabalenka signaled to the chair umpire that a pungent smell was affecting her concentration. According to the Times of India, she told the official that the odor was “unusually strong” and suggested that if it did not dissipate she might simply “get high” herself. The umpire allowed a brief pause while stadium staff investigated the source. After a few minutes, the smell lessened enough for play to continue. Sabalenka regained her composure, broke Rakhimova’s serve, and closed out the match 6‑3, 6‑2 to advance to the third round. In her post‑match comments, she noted that wind conditions could have carried the scent from outside the venue into the stadium, though she did not identify a specific source.
Analysis:
The incident illustrates how sensory distractions can interrupt elite athletic performance, even when the disruption is brief. Sabalenka’s lighthearted remark underscored her ability to refocus quickly, a trait that has helped her maintain the world No. 1 ranking. From an operational standpoint, the pause required coordination between officials, venue staff, and security to assess whether the odor posed a health or safety risk and to determine whether play could safely resume. The fact that the match continued without further interruption suggests that existing protocols allowed for a swift resolution, but it also raises questions about the thresholds used to halt play for environmental irritants and how those thresholds are communicated to players and officials.
Why it matters
The episode highlights a growing tension between public cannabis consumption policies and the need to maintain controlled environments at large‑scale events. New York State legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over in March 2021, permitting possession and use in private residences and certain licensed venues. However, public consumption remains prohibited in many outdoor spaces, including parks and areas surrounding major facilities like Flushing Meadows‑Corona Park, where the US Open is held. Despite these restrictions, the proximity of the stadium to surrounding neighborhoods means that wind can carry odors into the venue, as Sabalenka suggested. For tournament organizers, the incident underscores the importance of monitoring air quality and having clear guidelines for when to suspend play due to airborne irritants, whether they stem from cannabis, tobacco, or other sources. It also raises considerations for player comfort and fairness, particularly if such distractions become more frequent.
Background and context
Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court of the US Open, has a seating capacity of over 23,000 and is located within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. The tournament, one of the four Grand Slam events, attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year and is broadcast globally. In recent years, several sporting venues across the United States have grappled with the implications of cannabis legalization. For example, Major League Baseball stadiums in states where marijuana is legal have reported occasional complaints about odor drifting from nearby consumption areas, prompting some clubs to enhance signage and increase patrols. The US Open has previously faced weather‑related delays, such as extreme heat or rain, but olfactory interruptions remain rare. The incident with Sabalenka adds to a growing body of anecdotal evidence that event organizers may need to treat airborne irritants similarly to other environmental factors that can affect competition.
What to watch next
Tournament officials may review the episode to determine whether additional measures — such as increased perimeter monitoring, real‑time air quality sensors, or clearer public announcements about prohibited consumption zones — are warranted for future editions of the US Open. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) could also consider issuing guidance to players on how to report and manage unexpected sensory distractions during matches. Meanwhile, local authorities in New York may assess whether existing enforcement of public consumption rules around large venues needs adjustment, particularly as the city continues to host major international events. Any changes would likely be announced well before the 2025 tournament to allow for implementation and public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Sabalenka’s brief encounter with a cannabis odor at the US Open ended with a joke and a victory, but it opened a broader conversation about how evolving drug policies intersect with the logistics of elite sport. While the player’s quick recovery demonstrated her mental resilience, the incident serves as a reminder that organizers must remain vigilant about factors outside the traditional scope of weather or lighting that can influence athlete performance. As more jurisdictions move toward cannabis legalization, sports bodies and venue operators will likely need to refine their protocols to ensure that competition remains fair, safe, and focused on the game itself.
Sources
Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/world-no-1-aryna-sabalenka-says-she-might-get-high-herself-if-the-smell-of-marijuana-at-the-us-open-doesnt-stop-drifting-into-the-stadium/articleshow/133782723.cms
Source: Times of India – Top Stories
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Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
