Aryna Sabalenka briefly halted her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova because of a strong smell of cannabis before cruising into the fourth round in New York. Top seed Sabalenka raised the issue after going 3-0 up in the first set, telling umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that "someone is smoking weed". The Belarusian asked the umpire to intervene "because it's so strong".

Asderaki-Moore spoke to an official on her radio and made a smoking gesture to someone behind her, before play continued. Two-time defending champion Sabalenka went on to secure a confident 6-3 6-4 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium as she chases a fifth Grand Slam singles title. Sabalenka said afterwards she was not sure where the smell was coming from but asked fans to be more mindful. Smoking is not permitted on site at Flushing Meadows but the smell of cannabis sometimes wafts on to court from the nearby Corona Park.

Sabalenka is not the first player at this year's US Open to complain about the smell. Britain's Katie Boulter previously said it was distracting, while Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones also noticed it. Victory marked Sabalenka's 16th straight win at Flushing Meadows as she bids to become the first woman since Serena Williams to complete a hat-trick of US Open singles titles.

American third seed Jessica Pegula kept her bid for a first Grand Slam title alive by coming from a set down to beat Leylah Fernandez. Pegula, who lost the final two years ago to Sabalenka, came through 1-6 6-4 6-3. She will play Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round.