Rybakina and Sabalenka Advance at US Open Amid Drama and Injury Concerns
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, two top-ranked players, both advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 US Open, overcoming injuries and on-court interruptions.
By Priya Raghunathan · First published 4 Sept 2026
In brief
- Elena Rybakina began her US Open run with a first-round win, putting injury concerns to rest for now.
- Aryna Sabalenka advanced through her opening matches, including a third-round win despite an unusual interruption.
- Sabalenka stopped play during her third-round match to complain about a strong cannabis smell in the stadium.
- Both Rybakina and Sabalenka have reached the fourth round and remain among the main contenders for the title.
- The upcoming matches will determine if Sabalenka can defend her title or if Rybakina will challenge for the top ranking.
Timeline · 6 moments
Rybakina wins opening match, quells injury concerns
World News CNA ↗Rybakina targets world number one after strong start
BBC - Home ↗Sabalenka starts title defense with rapid victory
The Hindu ↗Sabalenka advances to fourth round after Rakhimova win
Sky Sports ↗Sabalenka halts match over cannabis smell in stadium
BBC - Home ↗Sabalenka's match interrupted by marijuana odor
www.espn.com - TOP Sports ↗Update 5 Sept 2026, 1:40 am UTC
Aryna Sabalenka's third-round US Open match was interrupted by a strong smell of cannabis, prompting her to stop play and complain to the umpire. This incident has highlighted ongoing issues with cannabis odors at the tournament, but Sabalenka still advanced quickly despite the distraction.
Update 4 Sept 2026, 9:20 pm UTC
Aryna Sabalenka's third-round match at the US Open was interrupted due to a strong marijuana odor in the stadium. She voiced her discomfort to the umpire but still secured a straight-sets win to advance.
How it started
Elena Rybakina arrived at the 2026 US Open with concerns about her fitness after retiring from a recent match in Cincinnati. Despite the injury worries, she started her campaign at Flushing Meadows with a convincing first-round win. Aryna Sabalenka entered the tournament as the defending champion, with her sights set on maintaining her world number one ranking. Both players were closely watched as the tournament began, given their recent form and the stakes involved in the rankings race.
How it unfolded
On September 1, Rybakina secured a comfortable victory in her opening match, quieting speculation about her injury status, according to World News CNA. The same day, the BBC highlighted Rybakina's strong performance and her ambitions to reach the world number one spot.
Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense with one of the fastest Grand Slam wins of her career, breezing past Polina Iatcenko, as reported by Sky Sports and The Hindu on September 3. Her dominant display set the tone for her tournament.
On September 4, Sabalenka faced Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round. She started strongly, but the match was interrupted when Sabalenka complained about a strong smell of cannabis in the stadium. Security intervened, and play resumed shortly after, as detailed by the BBC and Times of India. Despite the disruption, Sabalenka maintained her focus and won the match in straight sets, extending her winning streak at the US Open.
Where it stands
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka have both advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 US Open. Rybakina has shown no signs of injury trouble, while Sabalenka remains on track to defend her title despite the unusual interruption in her third-round match. The rivalry between the two is intensifying, especially with the world number one ranking potentially at stake as the tournament progresses.
What to watch
The next rounds will reveal whether Sabalenka can hold onto her title and world number one position or if Rybakina can overtake her. Both players are in strong form, and their progress will be key storylines as the US Open continues.
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