World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has made a humorous comment about an unusual distraction at the US Open 2026, saying she might “get high” herself if the smell of marijuana continues drifting into the stadium.
The Belarusian tennis star, currently competing at the season’s final Grand Slam in New York, spoke about the issue after noticing the strong smell reaching the courts. The comment quickly grabbed attention, with Sabalenka using her trademark sense of humour to address something that players and fans have occasionally complained about during the tournament.
The US Open is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, where the atmosphere is famously energetic and different from many other Grand Slam events. However, the smell of marijuana drifting into parts of the venue has become an unexpected talking point.
Sabalenka joked that if the smell does not stop, she may end up feeling its effects herself. While her comment was made in a light-hearted manner, it highlights how external factors can sometimes affect players during high-pressure matches.
For professional athletes, concentration is essential, especially at a Grand Slam tournament where every point can influence a player’s progress. Tennis stars regularly deal with crowd noise, changing weather conditions, delays and other distractions, but the marijuana smell has added a particularly unusual element to the New York experience.
Despite the off-court distraction, Sabalenka remains focused on her campaign. As the world’s top-ranked player, she entered the tournament carrying major expectations and will be looking to maintain her composure as the competition reaches its crucial stages.
Her latest remark has also generated plenty of reactions among tennis fans on social media, with many appreciating the world No. 1’s candid and funny response. Sabalenka has built a reputation for showing her personality away from the court, and this latest comment is another example of her relaxed approach when dealing with unusual situations.
Whether the smell continues to drift through the stadium or not, Sabalenka’s main priority remains unchanged: staying focused, producing her best tennis and fighting for another major title at the US Open 2026.