Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a bold new hairstyle before powering past Reilly Opelka in straight sets at the US Open on Monday night.
The 22-year-old Spaniard walked into Arthur Ashe Stadium sporting a sharp military-style crew cut, a look that quickly caught attention. While some fans and even fellow players, including close friend Frances Tiafoe, labeled the trim “terrible,” Alcaraz showed no signs of distraction on court. Instead, he delivered a composed performance to defeat the 6ft 11in American 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the first round.
“It was a really tough match. Reilly is a great player with a powerful serve, and I couldn’t always find my rhythm,” Alcaraz said afterward. “But I’m very happy with how I handled the important points and the way I performed today.”
The reigning five-time Grand Slam champion later revealed that the haircut was not planned. His brother had accidentally clipped too short during a home trim, forcing Alcaraz to shave it off.
“My brother misunderstood the machine. The only way to fix it was to shave it all,” he laughed. “Some people like it, some don’t. I’m just enjoying people’s reactions.”
On the court, Alcaraz took control early, breaking Opelka in the fifth game of the opening set before closing it out with ease. The second set was tighter, but the Spaniard’s resilience showed as he fended off break points and seized his chance at 6-5. In the third, a decisive break at 5-4 sealed victory, capped by a blazing forehand winner down the line.
The 2022 US Open champion now advances to face Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in the second round as he continues his quest for another Flushing Meadows crown.
