During a third-round match at the US Open on Friday, tennis player Aryna Sabalenka paused the game to address a strong marijuana smell emanating from the crowd. Competing against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova in Queens, Sabalenka approached umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and voiced her concern, stating, "Someone is smoking weed. Do you mind? Because it’s so strong." Despite the distraction, she continued and won the match.
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The incident highlights ongoing concerns about marijuana use at the US Open, particularly since its legalization in New York City. Players have reported persistent issues with the odor around the courts, which has become more pronounced at this year’s tournament. According to The New York Post, local dispensaries are reportedly delivering marijuana products to fans attending the matches.
Tre Davidson, a manager at a local dispensary, commented that some people believe marijuana enhances their enjoyment of tennis. However, the presence of smoke can be problematic for athletes like Sabalenka who prefer a clear environment during competition.
The conversation around marijuana use at the event continues, with suggestions being made to consider alternatives, such as edibles, to mitigate smoke exposure for players.