Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut goes viral on social media as Rory McIlroy, Francis Tiafoe react at U.S. Open

Carlos Alcaraz is entering the 2025 U.S. Open in a totally new headspace. No, that doesn’t mean his mentality, it’s reference his literal head. 

The five-time Grand Slam winner arrived in New York on Monday with a buzzcut hairstyle, a far cry from his usual look. It’s a switch that fans, analysts, and fellow ATP competitors took notice of throughout the day.

Reactions to Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut

In Alcaraz’s own words it’s a fresh start. When the Spaniard spoke with golf legend Rory McIlroy, he made it sound like it was a forced fix after suffering a bad haircut. McIlroy comforted Alcaraz saying it was a good look. 

Other athletes were not so kind. American Francis Tiafoe has had some great battles with Alcaraz on the court and is friends with him off of it but when asked about the haircut he was brutally honest.

Fans on social media took the change less than gracefully, expressing sadness over the buzzcut.

It’s only been a week since Alcaraz rocked his thick, dark hair at the Cincinnati Open. Since then he looks like a changed man.

The Spaniard has never let outside noise get the best of him and always speaks with his play on the court. In a way, this shift in style shows why so many fans are drawn to Alcaraz and his personality. He is shamelessly himself no matter what. 

MORE: Oldest US Open tennis players ever: Where Venus Williams ranks among women to compete at Flushing Meadows