Sabalenka Beats Rakhimova to Reach US Open Fourth Round

Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth round of the US Open with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, overcoming an unusual early interruption at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The world number one and two-time defending champion completed the straight-sets win without facing a break point.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0vmC2h5mCE

Play briefly stopped during Sabalenka's second service game after she told chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that a strong cannabis smell was reaching the court. The Irish Times reported that the umpire contacted an official by radio before the match resumed. Sabalenka later said she could not determine whether the smell came from the crowd or from outside the stadium because conditions were windy.

The interruption did not prevent Sabalenka from maintaining control of the third-round contest. The Guardian reported that she served 10 aces and did not offer Rakhimova a break-point opportunity. Sabalenka has now advanced through three rounds in New York without dropping a set as she pursues a third consecutive US Open title.

Her run comes after a difficult stretch by her recent standards. Sabalenka won the Indian Wells and Miami titles back-to-back in March but had not reached another final before arriving at Flushing Meadows. Her performance against Rakhimova provided another positive result as she attempts to regain consistency at the season's final Grand Slam.

Sabalenka will next face American Taylor Townsend in the round of 16. Townsend earned her place with a 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-3 victory over 15th seed Diana Shnaider. The matchup gives Sabalenka a home favorite as her next obstacle and Townsend another chance to reach the quarterfinals in New York.

Smoking is prohibited at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Tournament organizers had previously said they remain vigilant in maintaining a smoke-free venue while acknowledging they cannot control activity beyond the grounds. British player Katie Boulter had also described cannabis odor around the tournament as distracting, although reports said the issue had largely affected outside courts near Corona Park before Friday's incident inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.