New York, August 28, 2025 — Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, sharply rebuked Frances Tiafoe’s scathing comments about Carlos Alcaraz’s bold new buzz cut, declaring that the Spaniard “pulls it off” with confidence. Speaking after her record-breaking 6-1, 6-1 second-round thrashing of Janice Tjen on August 27, Raducanu’s defense of her mixed doubles partner has added fuel to the ongoing hairstyle saga at the 2025 US Open, amplifying the tournament’s lively off-court banter.
## Raducanu Slams Tiafoe’s Criticism
During her post-match press conference, Raducanu addressed Tiafoe’s remarks, where he labeled Alcaraz’s buzz cut “horrible” and “terrible” after spotting it in the gym before the Spaniard’s first-round win (*Sportskeeda.com*, August 27, 2025). “I think Frances was harsh on him,” Raducanu said, laughing. “The fact that he does it with confidence and owns it… I think he pulls it off. I’d say supportive” (*Yardbarker.com*). She emphasized that Alcaraz’s style choice wouldn’t impact his game, adding, “Whatever he does, it’s not going to affect what he does on the court. I’m just happy to see him having fun” (*TheMirror.com*). Alcaraz, who attributed the cut to a botched blonde dye job by his brother Alvaro (*DailyMail.co.uk*), responded playfully to Tiafoe, saying, “Frances is lying. I know he likes it” (*ATP Tour*, August 26, 2025).
## Fan Reactions and Tournament Context
Raducanu’s comments sparked a frenzy on X, with fans rallying behind her support. One post read, “Emma clapping back at Tiafoe for Carlos? Queen energy!” (@TennisFanUK, August 27, 2025). Another quipped, “Raducanu’s got Alcaraz’s back on and off the court!” (@VamosCarlitos, August 27, 2025). The buzz cut debate, fueled by Jannik Sinner’s praise—“Everything looks good on him”—and Naomi Osaka’s platinum hair tease, has become a US Open subplot (*Tennis.com*). Raducanu’s own dominance, with a 59-minute win over Tjen—her fastest Grand Slam victory—sets her up for a third-round clash with Elena Rybakina, while Alcaraz, after a 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 rout of Mattia Bellucci, faces Luciano Darderi (*USOpen.org*).
