Alcaraz’s US Open win overshadowed by a haircut caper from his own brother
Carlos Alcaraz eased past Reilly Opelka in the opening round of the US Open, but the biggest talking point wasn’t Opelka’s 145 mph serves or the Spaniard’s 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 triumph. It was a haircutGone awry: with his usual barber, Victor Martínez, unable to travel, Alcaraz trusted one of his brothers to trim his hair. The result wasn’t what he planned—what began as just a trim ended with a shaved head after the machine apparently cut too close.
Alcaraz explained that he’d wanted a quick cut before the tournament and that Martínez has been flown to other events, including this year’s French Open, when needed. Despite the mishap, he kept a light tone about the incident, noting that “it is what it is” and that he’s merely laughing at the reactions from fans and media.
The reaction around the locker room and stands was mixed. Frances Tiafoe didn’t disguise his disapproval, calling the new look “horrendous.” He even suggested Alcaraz should get his hair done by someone like him, joking about a potential session together. Alcaraz, however, dismissed the attack on the haircut as a misperception, quipping that Tiafoe might be exaggerating and that the Spaniard doesn’t take the joke too seriously.
Not everyone weighed in negatively, though. Rory McIlroy, a Masters champion who bumped into Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows, offered a simpler verdict: he liked it and thought it looked good.
On the court, Alcaraz collected his straight-sets win and now faces world No. 65 Mattia Bellucci in the next round. He joked that his hair grows so fast that in two to three days the look will have changed again, suggesting the haircut will soon be a non-story anyway.
Why this matters: the moment underscored the human side of life on the tour—where a routine grooming hiccup can rival the night’s headlines, yet a world-class performance can still carry a player forward. Alcaraz’s victory keeps him rolling at the Open, and his light-hearted take on the situation may end up endearing him even more to fans.
Summary: Alcaraz advanced to the second round despite a haircut mishap caused by his brother, with reactions ranging from humor to criticism. He’ll look to keep momentum against Bellucci, while his rapidly changing hairline may become a recurring, light-hearted talking point rather than a distraction.
Additional note: This kind of personal moment often humanizes top athletes and can boost fan connection during a major tournament, even as results on the court remain the primary focus. If you’re following the tournament, keep an eye on whether Alcaraz’s humor translates into continued confidence against tougher rounds.