NEW YORK — Carlos Alcaraz confirmed up at the U.S. Open on Monday for his first-round match with a brand new look: a shaved head.
Alcaraz, who’s seeded No. 2 at Flushing Meadows, brought about a little bit of a buzz along with his buzz lower when he received to the match grounds earlier than heading out to beat big-serving Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in simply over two hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium at evening.
The 22-year-old Spaniard’s play, as is usually the case, was a lower above. He made simply 17 unforced errors, received 50 of 58 first-serve factors, saved all three break factors he confronted, broke Opelka thrice and improved to 19-0 in opening contests at Grand Slam tournaments.
Previous to taking part in, Alcaraz bumped into golf star Rory McIlroy, who reached out his hand to rub the scalp’s stubble. When Alcaraz performed within the U.S. Open’s combined doubles occasion final week, he did so with a full head of hair.
Through the on-court interview after his win, Alcaraz tried to crowd-source opinions in regards to the change.
“I received to ask the individuals in the event that they like the brand new haircut or not. Did you prefer it, guys?” he requested the Ashe spectators.
They roared their approval.
“I feel,” Alcaraz stated, “they prefer it.”
Not less than one different athlete — and buddy — didn’t assume the brand new ‘do was all that sharp: Frances Tiafoe, who misplaced within the semifinals in New York to Alcaraz in 2022. That was the 12 months Alcaraz received the title on the U.S. Open for the primary of his 5 Grand Slam trophies.
“It’s horrible. It’s horrible. It’s undoubtedly horrible. That’s my man, although,” Tiafoe stated when requested about Alcaraz’s haircut. “Humorous, I checked out him, and I used to be like, ‘I suppose you’re aerodynamic.’”
Tiafoe’s critique wasn’t completed there.
“I don’t know who informed him to try this, however it’s horrible. From a man who will get haircuts week in, week out, who prides himself on good haircuts, it’s horrendous,” Tiafoe stated. “However on the finish of the day, it’s Carlos, and that’s my man.”
