Aryna Sabalenka Stops Play at US Open to Report Marijuana Smell to Umpire

Aryna Sabalenka wasn’t about to let anything mess with her US Open run.

Cruising 2-0 in the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, September 4, the World No. 1 halted play at Louis Armstrong Stadium to call out umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore over the apparent smell of marijuana wafting through the crowd.

“Someone is smoking weed,” said Sablenka, pointing behind her. “Would you mind … because it’s so strong.”

According to the BBC, Asderaki-Moore then used her radio to speak with an official, made a smoking gesture, before the match resumed.

Sablenka, meanwhile, went on to win the match — her 16th consecutive match at the US Open.

Talking with the media after the match, the No. 1 ranked player was pressed asked about on-court moment.

“I was, like, ‘Guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please, do not do it around the tennis courts,'” she shared, per USA Today. “It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best.”

Sablenka added that she wasn’t entirely sure whether the smell was coming from the crowd or someplace outside, as it was so windy. While any and all smoking is prohibited on the grounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, recreational marijuana use is legal in New York City.

“It was a bit windy. I don’t know if it was, like, coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium,” she added. “I don’t know. I just hope they’re gonna be a bit more aware of that stuff.”

When she continued to be asked about the incident, it became apparent Sablenka was over it.

“More about the weed? Come on, guys,” she shot back. “You were the one who was smoking, maybe?”

She’ll return to the court tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, to face off against Taylor Townsend.