Carlos Alcaraz arrived at the 2025 US Open not only ready to compete but also attracting attention with a bold new appearance.
The five-time Grand Slam champion surprised many with a freshly shaved head, a notable change from his usual hairstyle.
But it wasn’t about style. “My brother misunderstood the machine,” Alcaraz said after his win over Reilly Opelka. “He just cut it, and the only fix was shaving it all off.” His usual barber couldn’t make it to New York, and a botched trim by his sibling left no choice. Reactions were mixed and often hilarious. Frances Tiafoe joked, “It’s definitely terrible. I guess you’re aerodynamic now.”
Rory McIlroy gave a thumbs-up, calling it “a good start fresh” after chatting courtside. Despite the debate over his hair, Alcaraz’s performance stayed sharp. He won in straight sets, showing his game is intact. Fans cheered his confidence; social media lit up with memes and playful roasts.
Regardless of whether this was a fashion misstep or a bold reinvention, Carlos Alcaraz continues to draw attention both on and off the court.