Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and 2022 US Open champion, responded with characteristic charm to compliments from rival Jannik Sinner about his dramatic buzz cut, which has been a major talking point at the 2025 US Open. After his 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 first-round win over Reilly Opelka on August 25, Alcaraz took to social media to acknowledge Sinner’s kind words, playfully addressing critics like Frances Tiafoe and sparking laughter among fans (*Puntodebreak.com*, August 27, 2025).
## Sinner’s Compliments and Alcaraz’s Witty Response
Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending US Open champion, praised Alcaraz’s bold hairstyle after his own 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 rout of Vit Kopriva on August 26, saying, “Honestly, for him, everything looks good. If it’s longer or very short, it suits him” (@TheTennisLetter, August 26, 2025). When asked about copying the look, Sinner laughed, “No, but his hair grows fast. In three days, it’ll be back!” (*ATP Tour*, August 26, 2025). Alcaraz, active on social media, posted a cheeky response on X: “Thanks, Jannik! Some people like it, some don’t 😜 @FTiafoe you still lying about hating it?” (@carlosalcaraz, August 26, 2025). The playful jab at Tiafoe, who called the haircut “terrible” and “aerodynamic” (*ATP Tour*), drew laughs, with one fan replying, “Carlos owning the haters with that Sinner love!” (@VamosCarlitos, August 26, 2025).
## Context of the Haircut Buzz
Alcaraz’s buzz cut, revealed during practice on August 24, stemmed from a botched blonde dye job, with his brother Alvaro and barber Victor Martinez shaving it off: “I struggled with the last haircut, so I had to start fresh” (*Daily Mail Online*). Despite mixed reactions—John McEnroe quipped it cost “20 bucks in the city” (*Hindustan Times*)—Alcaraz’s 22 winners and 8 aces against Opelka showed his focus remained sharp (*USOpen.org*). His lighthearted gesture of running his hand over his shaved head post-match, as if forgetting he was “bald,” went viral, with fans joking, “He keeps forgetting there’s no hair!” (@TennisFanUSA, August 25, 2025).
## Broader Implications
Alcaraz’s gracious response to Sinner reflects their respectful rivalry, which has seen them split the last seven Grand Slams (*ATPTour.com*). Their banter, akin to Naomi Osaka’s playful call for platinum hair inspired by Alcaraz, adds levity to the US Open’s intensity. As Alcaraz faces Mattia Bellucci next and Sinner takes on Alexei Popyrin, fans on X anticipate a potential final, with one post noting, “Carlos and Jannik’s hair talk is cute, but that final would be 🔥” (@TennisVibes, August 26, 2025). Alcaraz’s charm, both on and off the court, continues to endear him to fans as he chases a sixth Grand Slam.
