Carlos Alcaraz Debuts Shaved Head in US Open Win/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Carlos Alcaraz made headlines at the US Open not just for his first-round win over Reilly Opelka but also for his new shaved head. Fans roared in approval, while fellow player Frances Tiafoe called the haircut “terrible” with playful criticism. The Spaniard’s dominant straight-sets victory extended his perfect record in Grand Slam openers.
Alcaraz US Open Quick Looks
- Carlos Alcaraz debuts shaved head at 2025 US Open
- Second seed beats Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
- Match lasted just over two hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Spaniard hit 50 of 58 first-serve points, saved all break chances
- Improved to 19-0 in opening-round Grand Slam matches
- Rory McIlroy playfully rubbed Alcaraz’s scalp before the match
- Fans cheered when Alcaraz asked if they liked the haircut
- Frances Tiafoe mocked the look, calling it “horrendous” but in good humor
- Alcaraz previously won US Open in 2022, has five Grand Slam titles
- His haircut now part of a buzz both on and off court
Deep Look: Carlos Alcaraz’s New Look Steals Spotlight at US Open
NEW YORK — August 26, 2025 – On Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the second seed Carlos Alcaraz stepped onto the court not only with his trademark explosive tennis but with a new look that turned heads: a shaved head.
The 22-year-old Spaniard’s debut haircut became one of the talking points of the day at the 2025 US Open, overshadowing even his solid straight-sets win over American Reilly Opelka.
Alcaraz closed out the first-round match 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in just over two hours, showcasing efficiency and poise under the lights.
Dominant Performance
Alcaraz’s play lived up to the moment. He produced a near-flawless serving display, winning 50 of 58 first-serve points and saving all three break points he faced. He also broke Opelka’s massive serve three times while limiting himself to just 17 unforced errors.
The victory improved his perfect record in Grand Slam openers to 19-0, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and dominant player at the earliest stages of majors.
“It was a great start for me here,” Alcaraz said post-match. “And with the new haircut, I hope it brings some good luck.”
The Haircut Heard Around Flushing Meadows
Alcaraz’s appearance created almost as much buzz as his tennis. Just a week earlier, he had competed in the US Open mixed doubles event with a full head of hair. His decision to shave his head surprised fans and fellow athletes alike.
Before the match, golf star Rory McIlroy spotted him around the grounds and jokingly rubbed the new stubble, adding to the playful atmosphere.
After the win, Alcaraz turned to the fans in Ashe for feedback.
“I got to ask the people if they like the new haircut or not. Did you like it, guys?” he asked.
The stadium responded with loud approval.
“I think,” he concluded with a smile, “they like it.”
Tiafoe Weighs In — With Jokes
Not everyone was as kind. Friend and fellow competitor Frances Tiafoe, who memorably lost to Alcaraz in the 2022 US Open semifinals, did not hold back when asked for his opinion.
“It’s horrible. It’s terrible. It’s definitely terrible,” Tiafoe laughed. “Funny, I looked at him, and I was like, ‘I guess you’re aerodynamic.’”
Tiafoe, known for keeping a sharp haircut himself, continued:
“I don’t know who told him to do that, but it’s terrible. From a guy who gets haircuts week in, week out, who prides himself on good haircuts, it’s horrendous. But at the end of the day, it’s Carlos, and that’s my guy.”
More Than Just a Haircut
For Alcaraz, the new look may be symbolic of a fresh start after battling fatigue and minor injuries earlier this season. His camp has not said whether the shave was tactical, superstitious, or simply stylistic, but it has added an extra layer of intrigue to his US Open campaign.
The haircut joins a growing list of off-court stories that amplify Alcaraz’s star power, from his fashion-forward outfits to his charismatic fan engagement.
A Player to Watch
Alcaraz already has five Grand Slam titles, including his breakthrough win at the 2022 US Open. With Novak Djokovic chasing a record 25th major and Jannik Sinner pushing for his own breakthrough, Alcaraz remains one of the favorites in New York.
Now, with a new buzz cut and a flawless start, fans will be watching closely to see whether his form — and his new style — carry him to another deep run at Flushing Meadows.
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