World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised through the first round of the US Open, dispatching Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets, before a lingering cannabis odor forced a brief interruption. The unusual smell, traced to a nearby spectator’s vape, prompted officials to pause play and clear the area, raising questions about venue security and player comfort. Sabalenka, unfazed by the disruption, regained her focus and sealed the victory, underscoring her dominant form heading into the tournament’s later rounds. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the enforcement of smoking bans at major sporting events.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka's straight-sets US Open win against Kamilla Rakhimova stopped by smell of cannabis.
