Carlos Alcaraz stunned fans at the 2025 US Open when he debuted a shaved head during his opening-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, August 25. The world No. 2 not only impressed with his win, but also set social media alight with his striking new buzz cut, a look that came about by accident, thanks to his older brother.
Alcaraz defeated American Reilly Opelka in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, advancing comfortably into the second round of the Flushing Meadows tournament. But it was his unexpected hairstyle that kept fans buzzing both inside the stadium and online.
© Clive BrunskillA Haircut Fail
During his post-match press conference, the 22-year-old Spaniard explained that his brother Alvaro, 25, had mistakenly shaved too much while trying to give him a trim before the tournament.
“I felt like my hair was really long already, and before the tournament, I said that I really wanted to get a haircut,” Alcaraz shared.
“Suddenly, my brother just misunderstood the machine. He just cut it, and the only way to fix it is just to shave it off."
© KENA BETANCURThe 2022 US Open champion added with a smile, “To be honest, it’s not that good, it’s not that bad, I guess.”
Fan Reactions and Locker Room Banter
Alcaraz leaned into the playful side of the situation, even asking the crowd during his on-court interview if they liked the new look. “Do you like it, guys? I think they like it,” he said to cheers.
Watch Carlos Alcaraz talk about his shaved head
Reactions from fellow athletes were mixed. World No. 7 Frances Tiafoe gave his friend some tough love, calling the haircut “definitely terrible,” joking that it made Alcaraz look “aerodynamic."
Alcaraz laughed it off, replying, “Frances is lying, Frances is lying. I know he likes the haircut. He told me. So no, not hear anything about coming from his mouth."
© KENA BETANCURGolfer Rory McIlroy also weighed in after spotting Alcaraz during warm-ups. Pointing at his head, the Masters 2025 winner asked, “Why this?” Alcaraz explained it was the result of a haircut gone wrong. McIlroy responded, “Yeah, good. I like it. It’s a good look.”
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Although unsure if his buzz cut would make him faster on court, Alcaraz dismissed the fuss by pointing out how quickly his hair grows. “Every time that I get a haircut, in two or three days it’s gone,” he said. “In three days you’re going to see another hair(style)."
© Clive BrunskillTypically, Alcaraz relies on his barber Victor Martinez in Spain, but since Victor could not make the trip to New York, his brother stepped in — with memorable results.
