Alcaraz advances at US Open as Sabalenka interrupted by cannabis smell

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz moved into the fourth round of the US Open with a convincing win over Wu Yibing, while top seed Aryna Sabalenka overcame an unusual distraction during her victory on Friday.

Alcaraz, competing in his first tournament for more than four months after a wrist injury, showed no sign of rust as he defeated China’s Wu 6-3 6-4 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard remains on course for a third US Open title.

“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.”

Alcaraz will face American 20th seed Tommy Paul next. Paul secured his place in the last 16 by beating Alexander Bublik 6-4 3-6 6-7(4) 6-1 6-3.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, appeared to have put her uncertain pre-tournament form behind her as she beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3 6-4 without facing a break point.

The Belarusian’s progress was briefly interrupted in the morning session when she noticed the smell of cannabis inside Louis Armstrong Stadium. She stopped play and raised the issue with the chair umpire.

“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 drift into the tennis venue.

Sabalenka said she had no objection to people relaxing, but believed they should smoke 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.

Jessica Pegula recovered from losing the opening set against fellow former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez to win 1-6 6-4 6-3. The American third seed will meet Sorana Cirstea in the next round.

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 went out after losing 6-3 2-6 6-3 to Anna Kalinskaya.

Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova was also eliminated. The seventh seed lost 6-3 7-5 to Emma Navarro, who continued the strong showing by American players at the tournament.

In the men’s draw, former champion Daniil Medvedev remained on course for another deep run after beating Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed, ended Valentin Vacherot’s challenge with a 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory.

Stefanos Tsitsipas continued his return to form by overcoming 18th seed Jiri Lehecka 2-6 6-1 7-6(3) 6-1.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry followed up Mariano Navone’s first-round upset of Novak Djokovic by ending the Argentine’s run, winning 6-4 6-4 6-3.

American fans were disappointed by the defeat of Venus Williams and Serena Williams in the evening doubles match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The two-times women’s doubles champions were beaten by Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching 6-3 6-7(6) 7-6(10-7).

There was late consolation for the home crowd when Ben Shelton beat Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4.