Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and 2022 US Open champion, stunned fans with a dramatic buzz cut ahead of the 2025 US Open, revealed during a practice session on August 24, 2025. Explaining the bold change, Alcaraz said he sought a fresh start after struggling with a previous haircut, a move that sparked widespread reactions as he prepares to face Reilly Opelka in the first round at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz’s Reasoning for the Buzz Cut
During a practice session, Alcaraz discussed the haircut with golfer Rory McIlroy, stating, “Just got a haircut that I struggled with. I mean, I had to start fresh” (Daily Mail Online, August 26, 2025). He elaborated that an earlier attempt at dyeing his hair blonde didn’t work out, leading him to ask his brother Alvaro to shave it all off (Sportskeeda, August 26, 2025). According to ESPN’s Feliciano López, “He got a haircut that didn’t turn out very well, and he had to shave it” (Sportskeeda, August 26, 2025). Alcaraz’s personal barber, Victor Martinez, executed the buzz cut, a style he previously sported at the 2022 US Open, where he won his first Grand Slam (Marca, August 26, 2025). The change, described as a “military-grade buzz cut,” was also a practical choice for New York’s summer heat (Euro Weekly News, August 26, 2025).
Fan and Player Reactions
The haircut drew mixed responses, with Frances Tiafoe humorously calling it “horrible” and “aerodynamic,” joking, “I guess you’re faster now” (ATP Tour, August 26, 2025). John McEnroe quipped, “You can get that for 20 bucks in the city,” questioning if Alcaraz flew his stylist from Spain (Hindustan Times, August 26, 2025). Fans on X were divided, with one post stating, “Alcaraz’s buzz cut is a vibe! Ready to dominate” (@VamosCarlos, August 24, 2025), while another lamented, “Why’d he do that to his hair?” (@TennisFanUSA, August 25, 2025). The US Open’s official account compared it to David Beckham’s 2000 buzz cut (Free Press Journal, August 26, 2025). After defeating Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, Alcaraz playfully asked the crowd, “Do you like the new haircut?” to cheers (TheTennisLetter, August 26, 2025).
Broader Context
Alcaraz’s bold style choice mirrors reinventions by peers like Coco Gauff, adapting with new coaches, or Luke Littler, embracing darts fame. His 54-10 season record, including titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati, reflects his drive to reclaim the US Open title after a 2024 second-round exit (India Today, August 26, 2025). Facing a tough draw with potential clashes against Daniil Medvedev or Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz’s buzz cut symbolizes his mental reset for a deep run, with a possible Jannik Sinner final looming (The Economic Times, August 26, 2025).
