Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka stops U.S. Open match over alleged marijuana smell
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat commented on the health implications of marijuana use after tennis player Aryna Sabalenka paused a match during the U.S. Open due to the smell of marijuana. She also discussed trends related to marijuana and alcohol consumption and the associated health risks during an appearance on ‘Fox Report.’
The reigning World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, edged closer to winning her third consecutive U.S. Open title on Thursday, taking down third-ranked Jessica Pegula with a score of 7-5, 6-2 in the women’s singles semifinal held in New York.
The first set was tightly contested for most of its duration, but Sabalenka elevated her game late in the set. She capitalized on a weak second serve from Pegula, and that momentum seemed to carry her into a dominant second set. In fact, she produced what many might describe as her most impressive play of the tournament.
“No complaints,” said the 28-year-old Belarusian after securing her place in Saturday’s final. “I’m just super happy that I was able to pull out such tennis.”
Sabalenka is set to face the winner of the semifinal match between No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 4 seed Coco Gauff on Saturday. A victory against either would make her the first female player since Serena Williams to achieve three consecutive U.S. Open titles from 2012 to 2014.
Interestingly, Rybakina will take over the top spot in the women’s tennis rankings next week, but Sabalenka mentioned that she wouldn’t mind giving up her No. 1 ranking.
It may be tough to deny her if she plays like she did against Pegula.
Sabalenka hit 29 winners compared to Pegula’s 12, transforming their third consecutive U.S. Open meeting into a decisive match. Their earlier encounters in 2024 and 2025 had been much tighter.
“I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly,” Sabalenka shared, highlighting her determination. She’s now won 19 matches in a row at the U.S. Open since her loss to Gauff in the final the previous year.
