New York, August 26, 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz, world number 2, kicked off his US Open 2025 campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over American Reilly Opelka (6/4, 7/5, 6/4), but it was his new look that stole the show. The Spaniard, known for his on-court energy, debuted a fully shaved head, which he attributed to a mishap by his older brother, Alvaro, while attempting to trim his hair. The incident, which occurred before the match, sparked amused reactions from the crowd and Alcaraz himself, who joked about feeling “more aerodynamic.” The match, played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, marked his 19th straight win in Grand Slam opening rounds. The bold look, paired with a solid performance, made Alcaraz the talk of the tournament as he advances to face Italian Mattia Bellucci in the second round. The Spaniard is also in the race for the ATP’s top ranking, depending on his performance and that of Jannik Sinner.
The Flushing Meadows crowd was visibly surprised as Alcaraz stepped onto the court with a shaved head. The player, who sported longer hair during practice as recently as Saturday, explained that the change was unplanned. The decision to shave it all came after a failed haircut attempt, and Alcaraz turned the mishap into a lighthearted moment, engaging with fans about his new appearance.
- Reason for the cut: Alvaro, Alcaraz’s brother, struggled with the clippers.
- Player’s reaction: He admitted feeling odd seeing himself on the stadium’s big screen.
- On-court impact: Alcaraz quipped the look might have made him faster.
The Spaniard’s humor contrasted with his focus in the match, where he faced one of the tour’s most powerful servers.
New look steals the spotlight
Alcaraz’s buzzcut, likened by fans to David Beckham’s iconic 2000s style, became the day’s hot topic. During Monday’s practice, golfer Rory McIlroy, in New York for the event, was among the first to notice the change, playfully touching Alcaraz’s head and asking about the cut. Alcaraz, with his trademark humor, explained that his long hair was bothersome, and Alvaro’s mistake led to the drastic solution. “I had to start from scratch,” he laughed. The moment, captured on video, went viral online, amplifying the story’s reach.
American Frances Tiafoe, a close friend, didn’t hold back, calling the haircut “awful” while joking that Alcaraz looked “aerodynamic.” Despite the teasing, Tiafoe praised their friendship, noting Alcaraz as “his guy.” Fans, however, embraced the bold move. During the post-match interview, Alcaraz asked the Arthur Ashe crowd if they liked the look, earning enthusiastic applause.
Strong performance against Opelka
Alcaraz’s win over Reilly Opelka, a 6’11” powerhouse known for his devastating serve, showcased his focus. The Spaniard broke Opelka’s serve in the first set, maintaining control with steady play. In the second set, despite two double faults, he rallied to close it out with a crucial game at 5-5. The third set followed suit, with Alcaraz capitalizing on Opelka’s errors, including a foot fault, to seal the win in 2 hours and 6 minutes.
- Early break: Alcaraz secured a break in the 5th game of the first set (3-2).
- Resilience: He overcame serving struggles, saving two break points in the second set.
- Clinical finish: A perfect service game closed the third set.
- Match duration: The contest lasted just over two hours, with consistent dominance.
The performance cements Alcaraz as a top contender for the title, especially after his 2022 US Open triumph.
Path in the US Open 2025
Next, Alcaraz faces Mattia Bellucci, ranked 65th, who advanced after Juncheng Shang’s withdrawal. Though it’s their first ATP-level meeting, Alcaraz defeated Bellucci in a 2020 Futures event. Bellucci, 24, is at a career-high, but faces a tough test against Alcaraz, who boasts a perfect 19-0 record in Grand Slam first rounds.
Alcaraz’s US Open run also carries the weight of the ATP number 1 race. After a stellar 2025, with six titles including Roland Garros and Cincinnati, he needs to match or outdo Jannik Sinner to reclaim the top spot. Their intense finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year make a potential New York clash a highly anticipated event.
- 2025 titles: Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, London, Cincinnati.
- Season record: Alcaraz holds 55 wins and 11 losses this year.
- Sinner rivalry: A final could decide the ATP top ranking.
Social media buzz
Alcaraz’s new look sparked a frenzy online, with fans and sports figures sharing varied takes. Some likened him to pop icons, while others wondered if the cut stemmed from a lost bet. The US Open fueled the chatter, posting images and clips of the look that racked up thousands of interactions. One fan quipped Alcaraz looked ready to “break out of prison,” while another praised the boldness, dubbing him a “new Beckham.”
Commentator John McEnroe joined the fun, wondering if the cut came from a Spanish barber or a local shop for “20 bucks.” The lighthearted buzz contrasted with Alcaraz’s on-court focus, where he remained unfazed by the attention.
US Open history
Alcaraz has a deep connection with the US Open. His 2022 win at age 19 marked his first Grand Slam title and propelled him to world number 1. However, a shock second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in 2024 adds pressure for a strong 2025. With 23 career titles, including six in 2025, Alcaraz is a leading favorite in New York.
- First Grand Slam: US Open 2022, defeating Casper Ruud in the final.
- 2024 upset: Knocked out in the second round by van de Zandschulp.
- Current goal: Reclaim the title and the number 1 ranking.
- Playing style: Versatile and aggressive, excelling in returns.
Tournament expectations
Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open journey will be closely watched, not just for his skill but also for the narrative around his look. He’s embraced the attention, using humor to connect with fans. His ability to turn a mishap, like his brother’s clipper error, into a moment of levity reflects his maturity at 22. As he progresses, Alcaraz faces tougher opponents and the pressure to reclaim the top ranking.
His next match against Bellucci offers a chance to build momentum. The crowd, energized by his win and new look, hopes to see him maintain the form that earned him five Grand Slam titles. Win or lose, Alcaraz has ensured the 2025 US Open will be remembered for his shots and his shaved head.