Carlos Alcaraz shocked followers on the 2025 US Open when he debuted a shaved head throughout his opening-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, August 25. The world No. 2 not solely impressed together with his win, but additionally set social media alight together with his putting new buzz lower, a glance that happened by chance, due to his older brother.
Alcaraz defeated American Reilly Opelka in straight units, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, advancing comfortably into the second spherical of the Flushing Meadows event. However it was his surprising coiffure that saved followers buzzing each contained in the stadium and on-line.
A Haircut Fail
Throughout his post-match press convention, the 22-year-old Spaniard defined that his brother Alvaro, 25, had mistakenly shaved an excessive amount of whereas attempting to provide him a trim earlier than the event.
“I felt like my hair was actually lengthy already, and earlier than the event, I mentioned that I actually wished to get a haircut,” Alcaraz shared.
“Abruptly, my brother simply misunderstood the machine. He simply lower it, and the one technique to repair it’s simply to shave it off.”
The 2022 US Open champion added with a smile, “To be sincere, it’s not that good, it’s not that unhealthy, I assume.”
Fan Reactions and Locker Room Banter
Alcaraz leaned into the playful facet of the state of affairs, even asking the group throughout his on-court interview in the event that they favored the brand new look. “Do you prefer it, guys? I feel they prefer it,” he mentioned to cheers.
Watch Carlos Alcaraz discuss his shaved head
Reactions from fellow athletes have been combined. World No. 7 Frances Tiafoe gave his good friend some robust love, calling the haircut “undoubtedly horrible,” joking that it made Alcaraz look “aerodynamic.”
Alcaraz laughed it off, replying, “Frances is mendacity, Frances is mendacity. I do know he likes the haircut. He informed me. So no, not hear something about coming from his mouth.”
Golfer Rory McIlroy additionally weighed in after recognizing Alcaraz throughout warm-ups. Pointing at his head, the Masters 2025 winner requested, “Why this?” Alcaraz defined it was the results of a haircut gone improper. McIlroy responded, “Yeah, good. I prefer it. It’s an excellent look.”
Hair At this time, Gone Tomorrow
Though uncertain if his buzz lower would make him sooner on court docket, Alcaraz dismissed the fuss by declaring how rapidly his hair grows. “Each time that I get a haircut, in two or three days it’s gone,” he mentioned. “In three days you’re going to see one other hair(type).”
Usually, Alcaraz depends on his barber Victor Martinez in Spain, however since Victor couldn’t make the journey to New York, his brother stepped in — with memorable outcomes.