Alcaraz advances at US Open as Sabalenka halted by cannabis smell

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz maintained his bid for a third US Open title with a commanding straight-set victory, while top seed Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth round despite being distracted by the smell of cannabis during her win on Friday.

Alcaraz, playing competitively for the first time in more than four months after a wrist injury, showed no signs of rust as he defeated China’s Wu Yibing 6-3 6-4 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spaniard said he had been surprised by how well his body had responded to the demands of tournament tennis.

“After four months without competing … when you play an official match with the nerves and everything, the day after or right after, your body can feel really tight,” Alcaraz said.

“It didn’t happen to me and I’m feeling better and better after every match. It feels like I’ve been competing the whole time. I’ve surprised myself with the way I’m recovering after every match.”

The seven-times Grand Slam champion will meet American 20th seed Tommy Paul in the next round. Paul advanced after overcoming Alexander Bublik 6-4 3-6 6-7(4) 6-1 6-3.

Daniil Medvedev, the former champion, also moved through without dropping a set, beating Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4 to remain among the leading contenders entering the second week.

Stefanos Tsitsipas continued his revival with a four-set victory over 18th seed Jiri Lehecka. The Greek recovered from losing the opening set to win 2-6 6-1 7-6(3) 6-1.

Mariano Navone, who caused one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by defeating Novak Djokovic in the first round, was unable to extend his run. Tomas Martin Etcheverry beat him 6-4 6-4 6-3.

Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed, defeated Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-2 6-4, while American Ben Shelton delighted the home crowd with a 7-6(3) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 win over Denis Shapovalov late in the evening.

Sabalenka’s preparations for the tournament had prompted questions about her form, but she looked considerably more assured against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. The Belarusian did not face a break point in her 6-3 6-4 victory.

Her main interruption came during the morning session at Louis Armstrong Stadium, when she alerted the chair umpire to the smell drifting towards the court.

“Someone is smoking weed,” the Belarusian said as she walked up to the chair umpire.

“Do you mind? Because it’s so strong.”

Smoking is prohibited inside the U.S. Open grounds, although recreational cannabis is legal in New York. Smoke from the surrounding Flushing Meadows-Corona Park can travel into the tournament venue.

Sabalenka said she had no objection to people relaxing, but believed it should be done away from the courts.

“I was like, ‘guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please not around the tennis courts’,” she added.

“It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best.”

Her next opponent will be American Taylor Townsend, who beat Diana Shnaider 6-2 6-7(3) 6-3.

Third seed Jessica Pegula recovered from a difficult start against fellow former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez to win 1-6 6-4 6-3. Pegula will face Sorana Cirstea next.

Ukraine’s 11th seed Marta Kostyuk defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-2 and will play Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who beat Ann Li 6-2 6-7(6) 6-2.

Kostyuk’s compatriot Elina Svitolina was eliminated after Anna Kalinskaya secured a 6-3 2-6 6-3 victory.

Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova also exited the tournament. The seventh seed lost 6-3 7-5 to Emma Navarro, who continued the strong American presence in the draw into the weekend.

In the evening doubles action, Venus Williams and Serena Williams briefly revived memories of their outstanding past on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The two-times women’s doubles champions were ultimately beaten by Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching, who prevailed 6-3 6-7(6) 7-6(10-7).