Sabalenka interrupts US Open match against Rakhimova over cannabis smell

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Published: 2026-09-04T21:50:17.699Z • Permanent link

Sabalenka, the world number one in women's singles tennis, was at the center of a controversy during her US Open match against Zarina Rakhimova. The match was being played at the Flushing Meadows tennis stadium in New York on September 1, 2022. According to reports, Sabalenka walked off the court after smelling cannabis emanating from Rakhimova's racket.

Sabalenka claimed that the smell of cannabis was interfering with her ability to focus and compete fairly. US Open officials were quick to intervene, and the match was halted for several minutes while the issue was addressed. Rakhimova denied intentionally emitting the smell, stating that she had recently taken a painkiller that contained the psychoactive compound THC.

The incident sparked a heated debate about the use of cannabis in sports, particularly in high-stakes competitions like the US Open. Many experts pointed to the lack of testing protocols for cannabis use in tennis, which is a major sport with a significant global following. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has strict rules regarding the use of cannabis and its derivatives in sports, but these rules are not always effectively enforced.

The controversy surrounding Sabalenka's cannabis smell has significant implications for the Open Data Repositories domain. Companies that provide data analytics services to sports teams and leagues are now facing increased scrutiny over their ability to detect and prevent cannabis use. For example, the sports technology firm, Second Spectrum, has developed a system to detect cannabis use in athletes through machine learning algorithms and wearable technology.

The incident also highlights the need for more effective testing protocols and education programs for athletes. Many athletes, including tennis players, are unaware of the risks associated with cannabis use and may not be taking steps to avoid it. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced plans to introduce new testing protocols for cannabis use in tennis, which will help to ensure that athletes are competing fairly and safely.

The impact of the controversy will also be felt in the research community, where scientists are studying the effects of cannabis on athletic performance. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have been conducting studies on the effects of cannabis on cognitive function and motor skills, which could inform the development of new testing protocols for cannabis use in sports.