Aryna Sabalenka moved into the next round of the US Open on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova, but spent part of her on-court time complaining about the smell of cannabis drifting through Flushing Meadows. Separately, Carlos Alcaraz dealt with an equipment or wardrobe issue that required an on-court adjustment. Elsewhere in the draw, Serena and Venus Williams saw their doubles run end after surrendering a lead. The combination of off-court chatter and on-court action produced one of the more unusual days of the tournament at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
What Happened
Sabalenka, the world number two and one of the favorites for the women’s title, overcame Rakhimova in straight sets to advance in the singles draw. During the match, however, she voiced repeated complaints about marijuana smoke in the vicinity of the court. The Belarusian’s remarks were not the first such complaint at the New York major in recent years — Norwegian player Casper Ruud has previously noted the same issue, a recurring talking point that has drawn attention both from players and from tournament organizers tasked with managing the open grounds of the Flushing Meadows complex.
In the men’s draw, Alcaraz found himself briefly dealing with a wardrobe or equipment issue that required a quick on-court adjustment before he could continue. The Spanish star, known as much for his on-court flair as his shot-making, resumed play after the fix and advanced.
In the women’s doubles, Serena and Venus Williams were unable to convert a lead and were eliminated from the tournament. The sisters, who have won multiple Grand Slam doubles titles together over a career spanning more than two decades, were undone by a late match swing from their opponents.
Why It Matters
Sabalenka’s complaint lands at the intersection of two recurring storylines at the US Open: player comfort and the public nature of the Flushing Meadows grounds, where spectators can circulate close to match courts. The tournament has invested in signage, restricted zones, and announced policies aimed at limiting smoking and vaping in and around the venue, but the open layout of the site has made enforcement a persistent challenge. The repeated nature of the complaints — from Ruud in previous years to Sabalenka now — raises questions about whether existing measures are sufficient, particularly as New York City remains one of the largest recreational cannabis markets in the United States.
For Alcaraz, the wardrobe interruption, while minor, is a reminder of the fine margins at Grand Slam level, where even small disruptions can compound during tight service games or break points. The Spanish player’s ability to resume without losing focus will be noted by his upcoming opponents.
The Williams sisters’ doubles exit, meanwhile, carries weight beyond the scoreline. Their appearances at majors have become selective events in the latter stage of their careers, and each tournament run is treated as a possible final chapter. Their inability to hold a lead underscores both the depth of the current doubles field and the difficulty of producing vintage tennis in short bursts of preparation.
Background and Context
The US Open has hosted the Williams sisters across four decades, with their doubles titles at Flushing Meadows forming part of a broader haul of Grand Slam doubles silverware. Their current run at the tournament had drawn significant attention given the limited number of tournaments they now enter together.
Sabalenka’s campaign, by contrast, is part of an ongoing push for a first major singles title. Her straight-sets victory over Rakhimova keeps her on track in the draw and continues a season in which she has held a top ranking.
The cannabis-smoke issue at the US Open traces back several years. Ruud, who has reached major finals on both clay and hard courts, flagged the smell during a previous New York campaign, and his comments drew coverage at the time. Since then, New York legalized recreational cannabis for adult use in 2021, expanding the legal market and increasing the prevalence of public consumption in surrounding neighborhoods. The Open’s proximity to public areas where cannabis is legally consumed has complicated efforts to insulate the venue.
The US Open has, in prior years, expanded designated non-smoking areas and added additional signage, and broadcast commentary during matches has occasionally acknowledged audible complaints from players. Tournament organizers have not announced any new measures in direct response to Sabalenka’s latest remarks.
Analysis:
The persistence of cannabis-smell complaints reflects a structural feature of the US Open rather than a passing nuisance. Few Grand Slams are held on grounds as porous as Flushing Meadows, where ticket holders can move between outside spaces and inner courts. Legalization in New York has only increased the cultural footprint of cannabis in the surrounding neighborhoods, leaving tournament operators to balance enforcement with the realities of an open-air venue.
The Williams sisters’ doubles exit should not be read as a definitive closing chapter. Both have indicated a willingness to enter select events, and their presence at major tournaments continues to attract broadcast and ticketing interest. What their loss does signal is the difficulty of late-career comebacks against opponents who play doubles week in, week out on the tour.
For Sabalenka, the more relevant takeaway is the scoreline. A straight-sets win over a dangerous opponent in the opening week of a major is the kind of efficient outing that title contenders typically produce. The cannabis complaint is a side note rather than a disruption to her form.
What to Watch Next
Sabalenka’s next opponent and the conditions of that match will indicate whether the smoke issue resurfaces or fades from the headlines. Tournament organizers may face renewed questions about enforcement if additional players raise the same complaint.
Alcaraz’s next round will test whether the wardrobe issue was an isolated incident or a sign of apparel or equipment choices that may need adjustment for later rounds.
The Williams sisters have not announced their next doubles appearance, and any decision about future majors will be parsed closely given the public nature of their current competitive schedule.
Conclusion
Day three of the US Open produced a blend of the routine and the unusual: a straight-sets win for a title contender, a wardrobe adjustment for a leading man, and the exit of one of tennis’s most recognizable partnerships. The cannabis-smoke complaint adds a New York-specific note to a tournament already marked by its distinctive setting. Whether any of these threads develop into a defining storyline of the fortnight remains to be seen, but together they captured the texture of a day at Flushing Meadows that will not quickly be forgotten.
Sources
Times of India — From weed smell to a wardrobe fix: Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz light up unusual US Open day (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/from-weed-smell-to-a-wardrobe-fix-aryna-sabalenka-carlos-alcaraz-light-up-unusual-us-open-day/articleshow/133799949.cms)
Source: Times of India – Top Stories
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
