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Sabalenka halts play over cannabis smell

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In Short: Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka paused her match due to a strong cannabis odor, citing health concerns.

Aryna Sabalenka US Open 2024 practice (cropped)
Photo: Ocoudis / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka temporarily halted her match on the court due to a strong smell of cannabis, which she found distressing and potentially harmful to her health. The incident occurred during a high-profile tournament, where Sabalenka expressed her discomfort and requested a break from play.

Sabalenka's decision to pause the match highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in dealing with external factors that can disrupt their performance and well-being. The incident has drawn attention to the presence of banned substances in public spaces and the measures needed to ensure a safe environment for athletes.

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