⚽ Sabalenka's mid-match complaint wasn't about her opponent

Leading 3-0 against Rakhimova, Aryna Sabalenka stopped play to tell the umpire: "Someone is smoking weed — it's so strong." A radio call, a pointed gesture toward the stands, and the match continued.

It continued very well: 6-3, 6-4, ten aces, not a single break point faced. The smell, it turns out, was not a factor.

Smoking is banned at Flushing Meadows, but the adjacent Corona Park follows New York state law — cannabis is legal there for adults. The wind has no interest in tournament rules, and Sabalenka is hardly the first to notice: Djokovic, Zverev and several players earlier this fortnight have all complained. Sixteen straight wins at the US Open, undisturbed by the neighbours.

BBC Sport